Dog Point from Marlborough in New Zealand have quickly established themselves as quality Marlborough producers with their range of Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. This Chardonnay has lovely texture due to lees stirring and balanced oak influence. Hints of citrus still remain to produce a Chardonnay of versatility.

A vibrant, warm vintage is on full show here, with just enough oak coming through to ensure that—while it’s drinking superbly now—it’ll still thrive with another year or two in the cellar.

This wine is made from two parcels which are found on the border of the communes of Meursault and Puligny-Montrachet. The first, which is to the left of the Clos des Perrières, has clay/limestone soil and a subsoil of volcanic rock which allows a healthy root system to develop in this limestone-rich environment. The second is on the upper slope and overlooks the Perrières quarry. Here the soil is heavily limestone, partly as marl and partly as white rock. This is interesting for the way it brings mineral notes to the wine. During tastings it often find notes of white pepper and other spices both on the nose and on the palate.

PENFOLDS X Thienot Lot 1 175 Blanc de Blanc, Champagne

PIERRE GIMONNET & FILS Millesime de Collection Vieilles vignes de Chardonnay, Champagne

LAHERTE FRERES Les Grandes Crayères Extra Brut Blanc de Blancs , Champagne