(2023) Aurulent made the best of Hawke's Bay selection in 2019 and 2020, and I really like the wine both times. This 2021 follows up in style. Aged in French oak barrels for 11 months, 30% new, there's a touch of Brazil nut on the nose, a light yeasty film over ripe, but precise fruit, and yes, a flinty touch of leesy reduction to add some mineral tang. In the mouth there's plenty of flavour here: it's not shy or retiring, having a buttery and peachy sense of lusciousness on the mid-palate, but all the time the gently mealy and nutty oak, the firm citrus pith acid line and touch of grippiness to the texture anchor the wine in savoury style. And it's delicious.