95-96 Raymond Chan - Raymond Chan Wine Reviews

"Bright, even, pale straw-yellow colour. The nose is very elegant and tightly bound, somewhat restrained initially, but extremely refined, unveiling white stonefruit, grapefruit and mealy complexities, with nutty oak detail and creamy barrel-ferment elements. Medium-bodied, the fruit is rich, detailed and very vibrant, the white stonefruit and citrus flavours complexed by layers of mealy and nutty oak, unfolding creamy barrel-ferment and MLF nuances. The fruit richness is enlivened by crisp and taut acidity, and driven by subtle alcoholic power, leading to a very long and sustained, refined finish with toasty oak elements. This is beautifully refined, balanced and complex, and shows its full character with aeration. 5-6 years ahead of it. Fruit from the ‘Elston’ and ‘1892’ vineyards in Havelock, 80% Mendoza and 20% clone 95, WBP and fully barrel-fermented, a third with indigenous yeasts to 14.0% alc., the wine aged 11 months in 35% new French oak, on lees with full MLF."

95 Sam Kim - Wine Orbit

"This iconic chardonnay offers excellent definition and integration of fruit, oak and acidity; inviting aromas of stone fruit, rockmelon, vanilla, brioche and cedar lead to a concentrated palate that is elegantly weighted and beautifully styled with succulent fruit flavours and creamy texture. The wine flows seamlessly to a lingering expansive finish, and promises to develop gracefully. At its best: now to 2022."

95 Huon Hooke - www.huonhooke.com

"Very impressive. Medium yellow hue...a bouquet of honey, smoke, and toasted nuts. The palate is firm and tight, with lively acidity and terrific concentration."

94 James Suckling - Jamessuckling.com

"A rich and dense white with a fresh and lively backbone. Cooked apple and rosemary and olive oil undertones. Full and vivid. Exciting New World wine with an Old World sensibility. Drink now."

93 Joe Czerwinski - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

"Te Mata's 2015 Elston Chardonnay is hitting its stride and should continue to drink well for a few more years. It shows lovely integration of oak and fruit, as they've fused together into an amalgam that's nearly impossible to pull apart into separate components. There's ripe stone fruit, hints of pencil shavings and a fine line of citrus that prolongs the finish, all rolled into a medium to full-bodied wine with a definite sense of grace and style."