Louis Vavasour LV 2016 Chardonnay – Marlborough

Now, this is one special bottle we picked up on our last trip to New Zealand. It’s also one heavy bottle with a very deep punt (the indentation on the bottom of the bottle). The ‘LV’ range by winemaker Louis Vavasour is pure luxury and at $65 a pop, you’d hope for something a little bit special.

It’s made in the Awatere Valley, one of the sub-regions of Marlborough in New Zealand. There’s also a Methode Traditionelle NV and Pinot Noir 2016 in the LV range.

The tag line of the range is “in the spirit of rebellion since 1207”. Which alludes to Louis’s rebellious nature and family history. It’s rumored that his ancestor Maud Le Vavasour who married local outlaw Fulk Fitzwarin in 1207 are the ones to have inspired the legend of Robin Hood.

Louis likes to go against the grain and it’s safe to say he has created something completely unique and one-of-a-kind inside this Chardonnay bottle.

Mr Spittoon and I literally sat on the couch, drinking and chatting about it, until there was none left. It intrigues the palate with its boldness yet refreshing delicacy. Here’s my tasting note:

It’s a pale golden colour in the glass. On the nose it nearly smells like a dessert wine, I would liken it to toast with butter and lemon honey on. In the mouth, there’s a burst of mango and honeydew melon with a super creamy honeyed texture. There’s also a nice lime tinge to this iron fist in a velvet glove Chardonnay.

All opinions are based on my own taste buds. Wine is subjective & always evolving, so make sure you drink what you enjoy!