Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2017
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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: 10 hectares (24.7 acres)
- Vine Age: Varies between 7–20 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: 4.5 tons/acre
- Brix: 22°
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Vinification
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Whole-bunch pressed
Indigenous-yeast fermentation
100% barrel fermentation
100% malolactic fermentation
11 months maturation in barrel
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Alcohol: 14%
- TA: 5.6g/L
- p H: 3.21
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Tasting Notes
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The 2017 vintage was cool and windy with some weather episodes during harvest. This made hand harvesting crucial in maintaining the standard of the Estate Chardonnay that we have set for this wine. The nose is immediately fragrant, a hallmark of 2017, with a touch of citrus and peach. The texture supple and with a beautiful bracing acidity on the finish. The wine is delicious now and will provide beautiful drinking over the next 6 years.
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Images
Reviews
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Kumeu River Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2017 – The Wine Advocate – 92 Points
All barrel-fermented, with 20% new oak, the 2017 Estate Chardonnay is a stellar effort. Smoky, nutty hints of roasted cashews appear on the nose, adding depth and richness to notes of peach and pineapple. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it's richly textured—something of a cross between creamy and sherbet-like—coming to a long, luscious finish. I don't expect it will be the longest-lived wine, but it sure is delicious.
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Kumeu River Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2017 – James Suckling – 93 Points
Enticing and very fresh nose of sliced pears and flowers with hints of almonds and vanilla. A great combination of vibrant fruit and silky texture, this tightly wound, medium-bodied chardonnay is just beginning to unfurl its long banner. Great mineral freshness at the pristine finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.
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Kumeu River Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2017 – Vinous – 92 Points
The 2017 Estate Chardonnay has a fresh, well-defined bouquet of citrus fruit complemented by subtle scents of brioche and almond. The palate is taut and crisp on the entry with a twist of sour lemon. Very saline in the mouth, not powerful but full of tension. The aforementioned saline tang lingers on the aftertaste. Superb - one of the best Estate releases in recent years. Tasted at the Kumeu River Chardonnay vertical in London.
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Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay – 2017 – Wine Spectator – 91 Points
Mouthwatering lime, pear and green apple flavors are appealing for their focus and intensity. Mandarin orange notes and a dash of mango increase the fruit focus on the finish. Drink now.