Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2011
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Vineyard Profile
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For the 2011 Estate Chardonnay, Kumeu River carefully selected only the very best grapes from six sites with vines ranging in age from 14 to 19 years. The vineyards have a primarily northern exposure with clay soil. The clonal mix includes 15, 121, 124, 131, 95, 8021 and 15.
- 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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2011 was a challenging vintage with cooler-than-usual conditions leading up to harvest. The grapes struggled to attain high sugar levels, but a very moderate cropping level still allowed the development of ripe-fruit aroma and flavor intensity. Following near-perfect conditions in 2010, Kumeu River had to work harder in 2011 in the vineyards due to pockets of botrytis. This vintage really showed the value of hand-harvesting and strict field triage because the fruit arriving at the winery was in perfect condition.
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Vinification
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Whole-bunch pressed
- Fermentation: Indigenous yeast
- Malolactic: 100%
- Barrel Fermentation: 100%
- Barrel Aging: Aged 11 months on lees in 20% new, 80% 1-5-year-old 225-liter/60-gallon French oak
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 5,000 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
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Tasting Notes
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The Estate Chardonnay from this vintage is ripe, rich and concentrated. The beautiful peach and hazelnut aromas along with the rich, silky texture are distinct characteristics that are expected in this Chardonnay. This wine will benefit greatly from a period of bottle maturation of two to four years.
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Images
Reviews
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2011 – 90 points – Decanter
"A blend of grapes from six different sites, this is made by one of the country's best Chardonnay producers. It has lovely concentration with peach and honey characters. Ripe and rich with well-integrated fine oak and pristine acidity."
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2011 – 91 points, Editors’ Choice – Wine Enthusiast
“This blend is a solid value in the world of New World Chardonnay, offering faintly toasty, custardy nuances layered over a plump base of lemon and pineapple. Some intriguing nutty notes emerging on the tight, citrusy finish.”
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2011 – 17 points – JancisRobinson.com
“Pale gold. Crunchy, mealy nose with masses of refreshing pure green fruit on the palate. Racy and still very youthful."
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2011 – 92 points – jamessuckling.com
“A rich expression that has plenty of complexity and peachy, nutty style about it, this has depth and concentration in spades and drives through the finish with bright, assertive acidity. Melon, cashew and peach flavors linger neatly.”