248. Hunter’s, Chardonnay Marlborough, 2002

€12; 13.5%

This Hunter’s offering was much better than the Pinot Noir. Pale yellow-gold colour. Medium intensity nose of grilled pear, buttered toast and butterscotch hints. Pear / melon flavour, but with some green apple malic acidity alongside buttery notes, suggesting only partial malolactic fermentation. Medium-long finish. Though never going to set the world on fire, a decent “lean” Chardonnay