Neudorf Chardonnay 2006 Nelson

Rasmus Amdi Larsen is a 21 year old sommelier. He is currently working as head-sommelier and Restaurant Manager at the restaurant Le Sommelier in the centre of Copenhagen. Administrating the 1600 bottle wine list, one of the largest in Denmark, this young sommelier is showing a lot of potential. Rasmus is also educating at the Hospitality College in Copenhagen, competing in sommelier competitions - and in the limited free time, golfing is a huge interest. To get in touch with Rasmus email him at amdi@gastrodenmark.com

Here's a review on one of my top wineries of New Zealand. Stay tuned for more reviews from this label.

Winery: Neudorf

Vintage: 2006

Appellation: Nelson

Varietal: Chardonnay

Winemaker: Judy & Tim Finn

Oak: 30% New French

Average Price: €27

Tasting notes: Classic young Chardonnay with light yellow colour. The nose reminds pretty much of a French Chardonnay. Think of a Puligny-Montrachet with its fresh mineral tones combined with pear, ripe apples, and hints of coffee, and a tiny bit of vanilla. The palate shows an amazing depth, this is one amazing new world Chardonnay.

Food Pairing Suggestions: Since this wine isn’t so heavily oaked, it compares to a wide range of food. Shoulder of pork with baked apples, roasted potatoes and calvados sauce. Cream Celery soup with shellfish (why not lobster) or how about fried mullet with Foie Gras sauce and French lenses? Since this is not a very heavy Chardonnay, I would avoid the toughest stuff like Bouillabaisse etc.

Winery Notes: Neudorf is among my absolute favourites New Zealand wineries. They are very famous for their Chardonnay Mouterre which is this wines ‘bigger brother’. This is the ‘bottom line’ on the winery’s range of wine which also includes Pinot Noir, Riesling, Late Harvest Riesling, a Rosé and a Pinot Gris. Both this Chardonnay and the Mouterre compares with way higher priced French Chardonnay’s, so you simply have to try this winery out. I will later be adding some of the winery’s others wines – so stay tuned.

Vintage Overview: The 2006 is a very good vintage in all of New Zealand. Nelson suffered a little rain in end September, but there were no problems during harvest.