We didn't need proof of the quality of fruit here, lovingly nutured by the Neudorf team through the growing season. But here it is - their Rosie's Block Chardonnay unadorned of oak. It's fermented in clay amphora, and exhibits purity of variety and place, namely those clay Moutere hills in Nelson. Mineral, fresh and linear, there's also density in the palate, in a precise, elegant way. We'd love to taste this in 10 years if we can keep our mitts off it for that long.

Highly respected pioneers of New Zealand’s modern wine industry, Tim and Judy Finn of Neudorf first planted grapes on the clay soils of Nelson’s Moutere Hills in 1978. Their wines have become internationally recognised as some of New Zealand’s best. Neudorf’s continued commitment to making outstanding wine with the utmost respect to their environment is now safely in the hands of daughter Rosie and winemaker Todd Stevens. Excellence continues.