Some of this country's best Chardonnay comes off the clay soils of the Moutere Hills in Nelson, and Luta Echoes proves this beautifully. It also proves that bigger isn't better when it comes to great Chardonnay. There's elegance here, with a dense core of yellow stone fruit and citrus, creamy texture, a whiff of brioche and fennel, and an energetic, lengthy finish. Clones 15, 95 and Mendoza from the Weka Road vineyard were hand harvested and whole bunch pressed before settling over night. It was fermented and aged in oak barrique and puncheons for 10 months, before a further 6 months in stainless steel before bottling. 

From their 5 hectare, organic vineyard in Nelson, Rob and Kate Burley produce balanced, bright wines in a range of styles. Rob draws on his depth of experience having worked for the likes of Patrick Sullivan and Bill Downie in Australia, and at the renowned wine bar Terroir in London. While his Unkel releases are supple, fun and approachable, his Luta wines display a seriousness and depth that place them among New Zealand's best.