The 2009 Alwyn Chardonnay was 100% barrel ferment using 25% new oak and stayed 11 months on yeast lees with no malo-lactic. It offers a moderate intensity of apple and citrus aromas with whiffs of oatmeal, crushed stones and oyster shells. Medium bodied with plenty of expressive fruit, it has crisp acidity to balance and a long creamy finish. Drinking now, it should remain good to 2015. The nearly unpronounceable Ngatawara winery has been in business for around 30 years, starting as a family enterprise stemming from Alwyn Corban’s grandfather. It remains a family business today, albeit with some clearly defined label and brand extensions: Ngatawara Alwyn, Ngatawara Stables, Glazebrook and the new Farmgate, the latter two as stand-alone brands with their own separate reviews. “Having a process of label selection ensures best grapes in the top wines,” Alwyn commented during my visit this year. Production is around 40% Red / 60% white with the real strengths here being the Chardonnay, Syrah and Merlot (blend).Importer: Frederick Wildman and Sons, NY, NY; www.frederickwildman.com