Cuisine Magazine
Issue 150, May 2010

The 2008 vintage was good for Waiheke Chardonnay generally; very good for Man O’ War in particular. This one is concentrated, deepish in colour ("it flirts with oxidation", noted John Belsham) and exhibits yellow peach and mirabelle flavours. A refreshing acidity provides balance.

Decanter Magazine,

NZ New Release Tasting March 2010

Joint highest awarded wine. This wine has a lot to offer: beautiful complexity with notes of melon, lime and creamy oak. The palate is rish, with a fine texture wrapped up by tropical fruit complexity and well integrated creamy oak on the finish. A fine complex wine.

Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate, Issue 184, September 2009
Neal Martin

The 2008 Valhalla Chardonnay has a potent nose of fresh grapefruit, nectarine and passion fruit, whilst the new oak (20%) is very well integrated. The palate is very harmonious with tropical overtones, good acidity, fresh citrus fruit with touches of brioche and a little vanilla pod. Green lemon, hints of white peach developing, great length. This is a very fine, quite assertive Chardonnay. Just 450 cases produced.

Bob Campbell MW
February 2010

Flagship wine that justifies its exalted status. Big, rich and creamy Chardonnay with masses of mineral, citrus, toasted nut, bran biscuit and spicy oak flavour. Power-plus.