Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2019
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Vineyard Profile
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Kumeu River 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 label.
- Location: Kumeu, Auckland
- Cultivation: Sustainable
- Size: 12 hectares (29.7 acres)
- Vine Age: Varies between 4-30 years
- Clones: 15, 6, 1066, 548, 121, 134
- Soil: Clay loam
- Elevation: 45 meters (147 feet)
- Exposure: North facing
- Training: Lyre and VSP
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Vintage Report
- Yields: 4.54 tonne/acre
- Brix: 22.5°
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Vinification
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Hand harvested
Whole-bunch pressed
Indigenous-yeast fermentation
French oak barrels, 20% new oak
100% barrel fermentation
100% malolactic fermentation
11 months maturation in barrel
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
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Tasting Notes
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The 2019 vintage was exceptional and has produced the finest Estate Chardonnay that any of us can remember. The Kumeu vineyards that contribute to this wine gave us some magnificent fruit and we had a wide array of options in putting the Estate Chardonnay blend together. The level of citrus fruit complexity, and the layering of aromas and flavors that this wine shows are stunning. This is a quality Chardonnay wine of style and pedigree that is delicious now but has the capability of aging as well as if not better than any of its predecessors.
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Reviews
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Kumeu River Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu — 2019 – Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
“Kumeu’s estate Chard walks a tightrope of textural richness and delicate fruit. Along with the barrel influence, it exudes notes of melon, citrus, florals and damp, salty undertones like seashells at high tide. In the mouth, bright fruit and a crunch of acidity balance a slippery texture and more oak on the finish.
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Kumeu River Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu — 2019 – The Wine Advocate – 93 Points
Boasting signature scents of toasted hazelnuts and white peaches, the 2019 Estate Chardonnay is a classic example of the house style. Medium to full-bodied, it somehow manages to be creamy and zesty at the same time, with rich fruit enlivened by electric acidity and bright citrus notes. Always enjoyable young, this vintage looks to have at least a decade's worth of longevity.
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Kumeu River Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu – 2019 – Wine Spectator – 92 Points
Supple, with a hint of sweet butter that mingles with marmalade, orange blossom, lemon sherbet, and lemongrass flavors. Complex and expressive, with a long, lingering finish.
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Kumeu River Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu — 2019 – Vinous – 91 Points
The estate Chardonnay is a blend of six different vineyards with approximately 20% fermented in new oak barrels. Texturally, this cuvée offers a sense of flow; it is relaxed in its own skin but provides welcome tension on the precise finish thanks to a line of firm acidity that will leave you smacking your lips. The 20% new oak is well integrated, contributing delicate nougat flavors, and allowing the subtle nectarine and honeydew melon flavors to shine on the medium-length finish.