Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2012
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Vineyard Profile
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For the 2012 Estate Chardonnay, Kumeu River carefully selected only the very best grapes from five vineyard sites: Hunting Hill, Waitakere Road, Neal, Mincham and Kingsmill.
- Cultivation: Sustainable
- Size: 10 hectares (24.7 acres)
- Vine Age: Planted 1990-2001
- Clones: 15, Mendoza, 95, 96, 6
- Soil: Clay loam
- Elevation: Approximately 100 meters (328 feet)
- Exposure: North
- Training: Lyre and VSP
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Vintage Report
- Harvest Date(s): March-April
- Yields: 3.5 tons/acre
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Vinification
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Whole-bunch pressed
- Fermentation: Wild yeast in French barriques
- Malolactic: 100%
- Aging: Aged 11 months in French barriques (20% new, remainder up to 5 years); aged 6-8 months in tank after being removed from barrel
- Bottle Aging: 12 months
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 5,500 cases
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- TA: 5.7g/L
- p H: 13.5%
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Tasting Notes
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The Estate Chardonnay from this vintage is ripe, rich and beautifully concentrated. The beautiful peach and hazelnut aromas, along with the rich, silky texture are distinct characteristics that are expected from this wine.
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Images
Reviews
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Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay – 2012 – James Suckling – 93 Points
Sweet honeysuckle nose with some vanilla showing. Quite a rich wine for this producer with a great, creamy texture, thanks to slightly less pronounced acidity than usual for this producer. Where is that piece of turbot? Drink or hold. Screw cap.
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2012 – 93 points, Top 100 At a Glance #54 – Wine Spectator
"Dating from 1944, the Brajkovich family’s Kumeu River winery has a reputation for making consistently expressive, world-class Chardonnays in its lineup, with this bottling blending grapes from six vineyards in the Kumeu region."
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2012 – 93 points, Top 100 Wines #54 – Wine Spectator
“Sleek and generous, with peach, pear, spice and honey notes, supported by refreshing, vibrant acidity. The spice and toasted nut notes gain momentum on the long, lingering finish.”
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2012 – 93 points “New From New Zealand” – Wine Spectator
“Sleek, vibrant; peach, pear, spice, honey, toasted nut. If wine lovers were asked what grapes New Zealand is famous for, most would respond, "Sau¬vignon Blanc and Pinot Noir." The Chardonnay in this mix is to the credit of Kumeu River…”