Kumeu River Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2016 – Vinous – 90 Points
90 points
The 2016 Estate Chardonnay has a touch more fatness on the nose than the 2017, though not quite the same degree of delineation. There is a subtle waxy/resin like note here, along with a hint of orange blossom and orange pith. The palate is well balanced with the same twist of sour lemon that marks the follow-up vintage, offering good weight in the mouth and a lovely peppery flourish on the persistent finish. Very fine, although I suspect the 2017 will have the edge in the long term. Tasted at the Kumeu River Chardonnay vertical in London.