Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2019
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Vineyard Profile
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Kumeu River Chardonnay is drawn from six different vineyard sites in the Kumeu Region. We are particularly careful in selecting only the very best grapes from these vineyards for our Kumeu River Estate label.
- Location: Kumeu, Auckland
- Cultivation: Sustainable
- Size: 12 hectares (29.7 acres)
- Vine Age: Varies between 4-30 years
- Clones: 15, 6, 1066, 548, 121, 134
- Soil: Clay loam
- Elevation: 45 meters (147 feet)
- Exposure: North facing
- Training: Lyre and VSP
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Vintage Report
- Yields: 4.54 tonne/acre
- Brix: 22.5°
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Vinification
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Hand harvested
Whole-bunch pressed
Indigenous-yeast fermentation
French oak barrels, 20% new oak
100% barrel fermentation
100% malolactic fermentation
11 months maturation in barrel
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
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Tasting Notes
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The 2019 vintage was exceptional and has produced the finest Estate Chardonnay that any of us can remember. The Kumeu vineyards that contribute to this wine gave us some magnificent fruit and we had a wide array of options in putting the Estate Chardonnay blend together. The level of citrus fruit complexity, and the layering of aromas and flavors that this wine shows are stunning. This is a quality Chardonnay wine of style and pedigree that is delicious now but has the capability of aging as well as if not better than any of its predecessors.
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Reviews
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Kumeu River Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2019 – Wine Spectator – 92 Points
Supple, with a hint of sweet butter that mingles with marmalade, orange blossom, lemon sherbet, and lemongrass flavors. Complex and expressive, with a long, lingering finish.
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Kumeu River Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu — 2019 – Vinous – 91 Points
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.
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Kumeu River Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2019 – James Suckling – 94 Points
This vintage punches well above its weight division with such complex and expertly curated style. Peach, nectarine, lemon and grapefruit aromas with flinty and pithy allure. The palate has a core of intense peach and citrus flavors with driving mineral and stony undertow to the long, fresh finish. Stunning value here. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
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Kumeu River Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2019 – Jancis Robinson – 16.5+ Points
Pale greenish straw. Some super-delicate oak on the nose (or do I just mean a hint of savoury Côte d'Or perfume?!). So pure on the nose yet with great grip on the palate and already accessible in a grapefruit sort of way. With this intensity of fruit, it will clearly evolve into something even more convincing but you could certainly enjoy it now. It has both weight and a crystalline quality