FIVE STARS 94/100 | Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
A brilliant effort here from winemaker Dan Brennan. Testify is the flagship in the Decibel hierarchy and this is an elegant and refined expression of fine coastal Hawke's Bay Chardonnay that kicks off with gentle flinty / gun smoke characters on the nose. The palate show excellent drive with classic regional stonefruit and citrus flavours underpinned with restrained oak characters - despite the fact that this wine was fermented in new French oak barrels. It's a thoroughly modern interpretation that is already very attractive, and one that will continue to blossom over the coming 5-8 years.
We absolutely love the labels in the Decibel range and Testify Chardonnay is no exception.
Winemaker Daniel Brennan writes "Testify' is a wine that is only produced in the best of vintages. It is my hand on heart proclamation that it is our best effort within this varietal. Hints of flinty nougat, rich toffee, caramelized green apple with hints of toasty brioche, and a key lime minerality. The palate has a bright entry with mouthwatering acidity, peculating through the mid-palate showing touches of citrus, oyster shell, and rounded fleshy pears. The length is fresh and persists into a finish of pithy citrus rind and crisp pineapple."
Sam Kim writes "Elegant and gorgeously complex, showing apricot, fig, nougat and lemon peel aromas on the nose, followed by a finely textured palate displaying excellent weight and persistency. Beautifully poised and lingering with layers of creamy texture and delectable flavours."
Stock Level: | Limited |
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Vintage: | 2019 |
Volume: | 750ML |
Alcohol: | 13. |
Seal Type: | Screwcap |