Tribute Wine

A tribute wine had better be good, otherwise the winemaker is doing a disservice.  I’m sure it doesn’t happen very often, or it’s the best that can be made in the circumstances, but some tribute wines can disappoint.  And it’s a pity.

However, the team at Palliser Estate in Martinborough made the perfect tribute wine to their founding director, Richard Riddiford, who passed away two years ago to the day.  Richard was an imposing man for many, as he did not tolerate fools, and spoke directly.  His intentions were always clear, and he was forthright in expressing them.  That’s why Palliser Estate is one of the most financially stable wineries in the country, and why Martinborough as a region and New Zealand as a wine producing country is recognised throughout the world.

Richard was a Chardonnay man in his time, so it was fitting for the winemaking team to make the best possible Chardonnay from Richard’s last vintage, 2016.  The Palliser Estate ‘The Great Riddler’ Martinborough Chardonnay 2016 is about as good as it gets.  The wine is stunningly rich with layered aromas and flavours of ripe stonefruit and tropical fruits, with mealy detail, gorgeous creamy barrel-ferment textures, and perfectly judged oaking.  The wine has immense presence, yet is seamless in the mouth.  It is powerful, but refined.  It invites you for another glass of decadence, and almost satisfies, so you need another.  It was a two barrique selection from a very, very good year, and already a good portion of the 500 bottles have gone.

 

I am so pleased to have tasted and drunk it.  I thought of my association with Richard Riddiford, as no doubt as anyone would, who’d be sipping on this wine.