Sourced from a special plot of Mendoza clone Chardonnay, matured in 26% new oak with just 10% malo, the 2005 Terroir Series Stuart Block Chardonnay has a very attractive nose, more “resiny” than other Gisborne Chardonnays with apple, beeswax and lanolin, (redolent of a Roussanne.) The palate does not quite match the promise of the nose, but is still well-balanced with a touch of spice augmented with apple, apricot and a touch of mango. Although it lacks a little crispness and definition on the finish, it remains a harmonious, aromatic wine to savor on a hot summer’s day. Part of the Pernod-Ricard Group, this large-scale Marlborough-based producer will be known to many as “Montana” except those in the USA where it is marketed as “Brancott” to avoid confusion with the state. This is one of New Zealand’s most successful producers, with 1.4 million cases sold under the Montana name each year (see also Stoneleigh, also owned by Pernod-Ricard.) There are four ranges within their portfolio: the premium wines selected for the “Letter Series,” limited releases under the “Terroir Series,” then the more commercial ranges “Montana Reserves” and “Montana Classics”. Some I would describe as fault-free, dependable, commercial wines that slake the thirst of the masses however, the wines listed here certainly do merit inclusion, their intrinsic quality often equal to boutique wineries.Importer, Allied Domecq Wines, USA, Healdsburg, CA; tel. (707) 433-8268