The 2009 Chardonnay has notes of ripe peaches and warm apple slices with hints of brown sugar laced oatmeal, nuts and mandarin peel. Medium bodied with a pleasant suggestion of creaminess to the texture, it has just enough acidity and a long stone-fruit and cedar laced finish. Drinking now, it should keep through 2014+. Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA.

The 2007 Chardonnay is reticent on the nose but the palate has a brooding intensity about it, good weight, quite primal compared to others, with lime, dried apricot and a hint of ginger towards the finish. Prudent oak here – great winemaking – this Chardonnay grows on you. Give it a year in bottle. One of Martinborough’s finest exponents, I think Palliser Estate deserve as much attention as the likes of Ata Rangi and Martinborough Vineyard because these wines deliver time and time again. Their Pencarrow range offers affordable entry-level wines that offer great value.Importer: Negociants USA, Napa, CA; tel. (707) 259-0993; fax (707) 259-1510

Firm, leesy nose. Textured, creamy, oaky palate. Quite structured with good fruit depth and potential.