Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2014
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Vineyard Profile
- Vineyards: Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay is drawn from six different vineyard sites in the Kumeu region. We are particularly careful in selecting only the very best grapes from these vineyards for our Kumeu River Estate.
- 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 (hand-harvested)
- Yields: 3.5 tons/acre
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Vinification
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Pressing: Whole-bunched pressed
Fermentation: Wild-yeast in French barriques
Malolactic: 100%
Aging: Aged 11 months in French barriques (20% new, remainder up to 5 years old); aged 5 months in tank after barrel aging
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production (in cases): 5,700 cases (12/750ml)
- Alcohol: 13.5%
- TA: 5.9g/L
- p H: 3.26
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Tasting Notes
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The word that best describes everything about Chardonnay in 2014 is “generous.” The aromas are warm and fruity, and the flavors are big and rounded. The palate shows lovely texture and length without excessive alcohol, and the acidity is well balanced but still crisp and fine, with a great mineral feel on the finish. We are very confident that the 2014 vintage will come to be regarded as one of the greatest ever from Kumeu River.
Michael Brajkovich M.W., winemaker
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Images
Reviews
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Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay – 2014 – James Suckling – 93 Points
The interplay of caramelized-pear flavor, toasty character and crisp acidity, makes this an exciting, maturing chardonnay. I love the long, creamy finish, too. Drink or hold.
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2014 – 90 points – Wine Enthusiast
"Toasted almond aromas lead the way in this elegant, harmonious offering. It’s medium bodied and plump, easily supporting intriguing notes of smoke, pineapple, peach and citrus."
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2014 – 93 points, Top 50 New Zealand Wines 2016, #49 – jamessuckling.com
“… purity and focus right from the very first impression, this provides flinty lemons, yellow grapefruit and peach and melon fruits that all sit in perfect, harmonious layers … the right acid balance, which allows this wine to sit long and fresh...”
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2014
The aromas are warm and fruity, and the flavors are big and rounded. The palate shows lovely texture and length without excessive alcohol, and the acidity is well balanced but still crisp and fine, with a great mineral feel on the finish.