Chardonnay, Coddington, Kumeu – 2010
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Vineyard Profile
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Owned by Tim and Angela Coddington, this vineyard is located between the towns of Huapai and Waimauku in Kumeu. Planted on a clay-based hillside with narrow trellising, the Chardonnay from this block is consistently weighty and powerful with richness and length. The grapes from Coddington have been used in the Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay since 1998. In 2006, the winery decided to give Coddington single-vineyard status to reflect this vineyard’s unique character.
- Location: Kumeu is a sub-region of the Auckland wine district. Despite being situated well north of New Zealand’s other viticultural regions, Kumeu’s climate is kept cool due to its close proximity to the Tasman Sea, just 20 kilometers (nearly 12.5 miles) to the west, and the Pacific Ocean 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) to the east. These two large bodies of water generate clouds, keeping peak summer temperatures below 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).
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Vintage Report
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A spring frost caused a significant loss of fruit, followed by an equally difficult flowering period leading to fewer berries per bunch. As a result, yields were only about 50 percent of normal. Very low rainfall throughout the growing season and lovely, warm ripening conditions towards the end led to a small but beautiful crop of Chardonnay.
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Vinification
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Whole-bunch pressed
- Fermentation: Indigenous yeast fermentation
- Malolactic: 100% malolactic fermentation
- Barrel Fermentation: 100% barrel fermentation
- Barrel Aging: 11 months in barrel
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
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Tasting Notes
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Usually the most flamboyant wine when young, the 2010 Coddington is a little subdued on the nose right now but is still showing the rich peach aromas expected from this vineyard. On the palate, however, this is very typical Coddington with its luscious, creamy texture that is very layered and long. The wine is a bit tighter than usual due to the vintage, and is an excellent example of what this vineyard can produce.
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Images
Reviews
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Chardonnay, Coddington, Kumeu – 2010 – 92 points – Wine Enthusiast
"...the Coddington Chardonnay displays subtle oak shadings on the nose, then explodes into an array of ripe mango and peach on the palate, underscored by just enough citrus to keep things fresh on the long finish."
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Chardonnay, Coddington, Kumeu – 2010 – 89 points – Wine Spectator
"Tangy, with peach and pineapple flavors that are crisp, smooth and refreshing, showing good acidity. The details of honeysuckle, spice and baked apple lend this added complexity."