“Generous cedary oak folds gracefully into apricot, peach and lemony pastry cream flavors. Citrusy acidity keeps this fresh with mineral, stone and floral tones accenting the lingering finish.”

“The 2005 Chardonnay has Kumeu’s signature Meursault-like nose with great definition with a touch of petrol developing in the glass, the palate very ripe, a little honeyed and viscous with hints of lychee towards the finish.”

“…has definition and minerality on the nose with vibrant acidity on the palate, notes of lime, white peach and orange zest, finishing slightly reserved.”

“An explosive nose of almond, hazelnut and acacia honey, beautifully integrated oak with that Meursault-inspired palate with great balance and verve – a wine destined to blossom over the next 3 to 4-years.”

“The lovely 2007 Pinot Gris has an aromatic, leesy nose inflected with white peach, guava, almond and a touch of rose petals, the palate very well-balanced and completely harmonious and natural.”

“Streamlined and intense, with pastry dough, lemon skin, pear and subtle peach flavors. Stone, mineral and vibrant citrus nuances harmonize deftly in the finish.”

“Kumeu River’s entry-level Chardonnay boasts plenty of tropical fruit and citrus flavors, all rolled into a fresh, crisp wine. It’s a simple fruit cocktail, but with well-judged balance and zesty, food-friendly acids.”

“Dry clear pear. Medium body, medium acidity. Long, fine finish. Drink now.”

“Open-knit, with outstanding depth and balance to the medley of pear, mineral, toasty walnut and hazelnut flavors. Lemony acidity serves up a lively counterpoint to the oak tones, harmonizing on the finish.”

Ultimate Buying Guide: Top Scores 2006

“Fleshy but streamlined, with an inner core of concentration to the toasty oak, pear and mineral flavors. Citrus acidity and lead pencil tones linger on the finish. Drink now through 2010.”

“A clean and refreshing style of chardonnay from just north of Auckland, this has good fruit intensity without a lot of volume. The orange pith scent and the light but lasting finish provide an edge for any fresh catch, particularly scallops.”

“Starts off citrusy, but those notes are rounded out by ripe apple and melon flavors. This off-dry, round-in-the-mouth Pinot Gris then picks up subtle spice and pepper notes on the finish.”