My first encounter with a
Gisborne Chardonnay was way back in 2001 and this example just brought back
memories, there is something specific with Gisborne Chardonnay, their airy
style, a certain lightness that may be confused as insipid, yet not the case at
all, in fact they are one of the most European of all New World Chardonnay, not
necessarily Burgundian type, but a confident austerity.
This Diamond Ridge is
another offering from Checkers as part of their international collection, nationwide
at R 70 a bottle this is a good if you like a “Chablis” style white.
Pale straw with bright
yellow green reflections, color shows slight evolution.
Clean, moderate
intensity, recognizable as a Gisborne Chardonnay, delicate citrus, stone fruits
and melon with subtle mineral quartz note, faintest brush of oak.
