First day of opening i found it much too tight and very closed up. After a night opened, it developed pear notes and the malo shines through much clearer. Vanilla, green apples and pears. A pretty backbone of acidity keeps it all in check into a long finish.
To reflect and put this into perspective of my tasting trip in NZ; This is a more defined take on NZ chardy, as many other domaines will make a very burgundish take on the grape. This is bright and alive in comparison. I wouldn't age longer than 5 years though.
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88 upon opening here in April '24, but i assume it to become closer to a 91 in 4 years time. so I score it in the middle — It's quite reductive and tight here on opening, and after a day open it becomes a lot more approachable. Mature red fruits in nose and mouth, guided by a good dose of acidity and finally a classic lightly bitter finish. Commendable first vintage by Dan and his team.
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Bright straw yellow color. Waxy texture. It's a very jurassic take on a NZ chardy. Mature and bruised apple in the mouth, with a very buttery nearly oxidative touch. Only complaint is that the finish is very short, but given the low age of the vines, i can imagine it'll get better year by year. I think it could take some years of aging.
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2022 Selection Massale Chardonnay
4/27/2024 - MadsW wrote: 90 Points
First day of opening i found it much too tight and very closed up. After a night opened, it developed pear notes and the malo shines through much clearer. Vanilla, green apples and pears. A pretty backbone of acidity keeps it all in check into a long finish.
To reflect and put this into perspective of my tasting trip in NZ; This is a more defined take on NZ chardy, as many other domaines will make a very burgundish take on the grape. This is bright and alive in comparison.
I wouldn't age longer than 5 years though.
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2022 Selection Massale Pinot Noir
4/27/2024 - MadsW Likes this wine: 89 Points
88 upon opening here in April '24, but i assume it to become closer to a 91 in 4 years time. so I score it in the middle —
It's quite reductive and tight here on opening, and after a day open it becomes a lot more approachable.
Mature red fruits in nose and mouth, guided by a good dose of acidity and finally a classic lightly bitter finish. Commendable first vintage by Dan and his team.
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2021 Sato Chardonnay La Ferme de Sato Le Chant du Vent
4/25/2024 - MadsW wrote: 90 Points
Bright straw yellow color. Waxy texture.
It's a very jurassic take on a NZ chardy. Mature and bruised apple in the mouth, with a very buttery nearly oxidative touch. Only complaint is that the finish is very short, but given the low age of the vines, i can imagine it'll get better year by year.
I think it could take some years of aging.
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