The 2005 Chardonnay exhibits a more Puligny-style nose with touches of limestone and granite on the palate, still quite tight and needing another year in bottle. Although winemakers Matthew Donaldson and Lynette Hudson look as if they have just got in from an all-night rave, they are presently producing some of New Zealand’s most exhilarating, Burgundyinspired white wines, their reds suffused with earthy flavors. They are demonstrating the potential of the Canterbury wine region and constitute one of New Zealand’s best producers. Their whites are exhilarating and seem best between a year in bottle and around fiveyears. Importer: Empson (USA), Inc., Alexandria, VA; tel. (703) 684-0900; fax (703) 684-2065

One of New Zealand’s most consistently good wineries, Peg Bay has turned in an excellent 2005 Chardonnay. The bouquet is packed with smoke and toasted nuts, but the fruit easily emerges on the palate, opening into peach, honey and bright citrus flavors. Creamy in texture, with a long finish that folds in a lovely honey-nut character.——J.C.(11/1/2006)—— 90