Reviewed by Claire Rogers What a title to live up to! The King's Bastard.
Brett Marris, winemaker for Marisco Vineyards, has produced this lovely smooth full bodied chardonnay.

A slow ripening period has brought out the true flavours of this 2009 vintage chardonnay. Careful fruit exposure and crop balance has resulted in a smooth full chardonnay.
Now to the story behind the name: The de Mariscos descended from a William de Marisco (approximately AD1100), who was said to be one of the 35 illegitimate children of King Henry the First – thereby making him the King's Bastard. The de Mariscos continued a rocky relationship with the monarchy in subsequent generations, ultimately ending with the tragic execution of a later William for piracy and his alleged involvement in a treasonous plot.
As de Marisco descendants, Brett Marris and his family have achieved acclaim for success in making fine wine. Proud to be one of the pioneering winemaking families of the world renowned Marlborough wine region.
I suggest grabbing a bottle, knocking off the top and serving it up with a creamy seafood chowder. Enjoy!

To go in the draw to win a bottle of 2009 Marisco Vineyards the King's Bastard chardonnay, simply register on www.sunlive.co.nz then send us an email telling us how many illegitimate children King Henry I reportedly had. Send your answer, along with your name, contact address and phone number to [email protected] with the subject line 'SunLive The King's Bastard Chardonnay Competition”.

Entrants must be aged 18 years or over. Entries must be received by May 26. Only people registered on SunLive are eligible to win.