The 2005 Cairnmuir Terrace EMB Chardonnay is sourced from vines surrounding the winery from Mendoza clone, matured in 20% new oak for 17 months. An unashamed tropical-scented nose with pineapple, mango and guava, again the new oak is just a little too “obvious,” soft on the entry but just lacking the acidity and tension to make this a top-class New Zealand Chardonnay. Located in Bannockburn, Central Otago, on the Cairnmuir Terraces, on gravel/sandy soil rich in silica, the emphasis here is upon Pinot Noir complemented by Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay. Winemaker Steve Davis has worked in California and Oregon.Importer: Leucadia Cellars & Estates, San Francisco, CA; tel. (415) 403-5740; fax (415) 399-1045