Black Cottage Chardonnay 2023 from Black Cottage in Marlborough is a lively, modern Kiwi chardy, packed with stone fruit and subtle creaminess while staying bright and refreshing in the glass. This Black Cottage Chardonnay 2023 bursts with white nectarine, yellow peach and apple, layered with almonds, a touch of clove, brioche and a gentle flinty tease of smoke and roasted chestnut.

The palate is mid‑weight and beautifully pitched, showing subtle creaminess and butterscotch over ripe stone fruit, grapefruit and citrus, with invigorating acidity keeping everything tight and pure. There is a fine spice thread from quality oak, a savoury, toasty edge and a clean, dry finish that feels moreish rather than heavy, making it a cracking cooler‑climate chardonnay for regular drinking.

Food‑wise, this Marlborough chardonnay is spot‑on with grilled prawns, crumbed whiting, roast chicken with lemon and herbs, creamy pasta with mushrooms or a simple roast pumpkin and feta salad. The combination of fresh acidity, stone‑fruit depth and gentle creamy texture lets it play happily with both lighter seafood and richer white‑meat dishes at any casual dinner.