Kumeu River’s Estate Chardonnay (one above their Village, but below the single vineyard bottlings) is a good value Burgundy-inspired wine that fans of the grape should seek out.
There’s butterscotch, vanilla, toffee, and gunflint on the nose. Quite oak dominated at this stage. On the palate it’s bright, lively, has a briskness about it. Very supple mouthfeel, with a creamy mid-palate. It isn’t rich; actually, it’s quite light on its feet and glides over the palate with purpose. I think it’s too young at the moment and needs a little time for the oak to integrate. Other than that, it’s great.
Kumeu River’s Estate Chardonnay (one above their Village, but below the single vineyard bottlings) is a good value Burgundy-inspired wine that fans of the grape should seek out.
There’s butterscotch, vanilla, toffee, and gunflint on the nose. Quite oak dominated at this stage. On the palate it’s bright, lively, has a briskness about it. Very supple mouthfeel, with a creamy mid-palate. It isn’t rich; actually, it’s quite light on its feet and glides over the palate with purpose. I think it’s too young at the moment and needs a little time for the oak to integrate. Other than that, it’s great.
1 person found it helpfulJan 1st, 2021
The estate Chardonnay is a blend of six different vineyards with approximately 20% fermented in new oak barrels. Texturally, this cuvée offers a sense of flow; it is relaxed in its own skin but provides welcome tension on the precise finish thanks to a line of firm acidity that will leave you smacking your lips. The 20% new oak is well integrated, contributing delicate nougat flavors, and allowing the subtle nectarine and honeydew melon flavors to shine on the medium-length finish. (Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous, November 2020)
The estate Chardonnay is a blend of six different vineyards with approximately 20% fermented in new oak barrels. Texturally, this cuvée offers a sense of flow; it is relaxed in its own skin but provides welcome tension on the precise finish thanks to a line of firm acidity that will leave you smacking your lips. The 20% new oak is well integrated, contributing delicate nougat flavors, and allowing the subtle nectarine and honeydew melon flavors to shine on the medium-length finish. (Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous, November 2020)
1 person found it helpfulNov 12th, 2020
Kumeu, Auckland, North Island, New Zealand
