The 2008 Chardonnay is Mendoza clone fruit and was barrel fermented in French oak, 12% new, using indigenous yeast and going through malo-lactic, maturing 12 months in barrel. It gives moderately pronounced peach and ripe apple aromas with some meal, toast and sulphide character. The medium to full bodied palate has medium-high acid and a medium-long finish. In short, it’s well made but just slightly lacking in mid-palate concentration and finish. Drink it now through 2014+. In the heart of Central Otago’s Bannockburn, Steve Green’s vineyards at Carrick may be teenagers, but are already beginning to provide a peek at just what they can produce. There are 22 hectare’s devoted to vines with the plantings taking place in 1994, 1996 and 1997. Jane Docherty has been the winemaker since 2008, taking over from Steve Davies.Owner Steve Green was in the process of negotiating with a new USA importer when I met with him.