Babich 1998 Chardonnay Hawkes Bay Irongate ($22). Spicy, smoky, toasty – these adjectives all jump to mind when you try this wine. It is full-bodied without being heavy handed and has a very nice finish. This would match beautifully with all but the heaviest foods. Drink now through 2005. (Robyn’s Picks, 06/00)

Brancott Vineyards 1998 Chardonnay Gisborne Reserve ($16). Excellent value here (as with so many New Zealand wines these days). Sweet, ripe pear and melon start bright and clear and carry through on the flavorful finish. Touches of lime and hazelnut make it that much better. This wine should cellar beautifully for a few years, but why wait when it’s this good now? (Weekend Wine, 05/00; Robyn’s Picks, 06/00)

Firstland 2001 Chardonnay New Zealand ($20). Apple, melon and vanilla aromas are followed by pretty pear and apple fruit flavors, layered with rich, sweet vanilla and butterscotch notes. Ready to drink now. Easy to pair with a variety of chicken dishes. (Weekend Wine, 07/03)

Grove Mill

Jackson Estate 2007 Chardonnay Marlborough Shelter Belt ($22). Marlborough may be best known for its Sauvignon Blancs, but this Chardonnay is a knockout. With juicy tangerine, clove and mineral accenting a core of ripe pear and lingering on the vibrant finish. Ready to drink now and over the next 3-4 years. Locate this wine online or in your area. (2010-03-08)

Kim Crawford

2007 Chardonnay Marlborough Unoaked ($17). Straightforward crisp apple and pear fruit is laced with lemon zest and citrus juice. Not overly complex, but clean and fresh and versatile with food. Moderate finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 05/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2007 Chardonnay New Zealand Unoaked ($17). Easy to like for its clean, crisp pear and melon aromas and flavors that stay focused through the pretty finish, picking up light touches of cream and spice along the way. Ready to drink now and over the next couple of years. Locate this wine online or in your area.  (2009-04-13)

2006 Chardonnay Marlborough Unoaked ($17). Deliciously clean, with pretty citrus and white peach aromas and flavors accented with ripe tropical melon, stoney mineral notes, and creamy vanilla. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine 09/07) Locate this wine online or in your area.

2002 Chardonnay Marlborough Unoaked ($14). Medium-bodied, with pure apple, citrus and melon fruit that stay focused through the clean finish. Picks up just a touch of fig at the end. Ready to drink now. (Wine Tasting, 10/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Kumeu River 2001 Chardonnay Kumeu ($22). Focused tropical and citrus fruit are wrapped around apricot peel, earth and creamy vanilla notes. Long, lingering finish. Great value from New Zealand. Ready to drink now and over the next two or three years. (Weekend wine, 04/03) Locate this wine online or in your area.

Matua Valley