Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2005
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Introduction
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“It would be hard to exaggerate the importance of this famous wine. Kumeu River Chardonnay played a vital role in the renaissance of winemaking in the Auckland region. Kumeu River is one of New Zealand’s great Chardonnays, with a rock-solid, prestigious reputation. A distinctive wine with notable power and concentration…lush, harmonious, and creamy-smooth – a sheer delight to drink. ” –Michael Cooper, Classic Wines of New Zealand 1999
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Vineyard Profile
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Kumeu River Chardonnay is drawn from six different vineyard sites. The winery carefully selects only the very best grapes from these vineyards for the Kumeu River label.
- Vine Age: Average of 10–15 years
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Vintage Report
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Yields in 2005 were down as a result of a spring frost in September 2004. The early part of the summer was cool, but the remainder of the summer was perfect, and the grapes achieved a lovely ripeness.
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Vinification
- Fermentation: Indigenous yeast, 100% malolactic
- Barrel Aging: 11 months in oak (20% new)
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Cases Imported: 1,200 (12/750ml)
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Tasting Notes
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The wine is very tight and concentrated with hints of peach and a typical mealiness that is seen in Kumeu River Chardonnay. It is powerful, with a silky texture and great length of flavor. The wine will benefit from 2–4 years in bottle.
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Images
Reviews
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2005 – 89 points – The Wine Advocate
“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.”
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2005 – 89 points – Wine Spectator
“Streamlined and intense, with pastry dough, lemon skin, pear and subtle peach flavors. Stone, mineral and vibrant citrus nuances harmonize deftly in the finish.”
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2005 – 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
"The citrus and pineapple flavors are reined in by structure, finishing lean and citrusy, with just enough peach to provide flesh."