Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu — 2020
-
Vineyard Profile
-
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)
- Clones: 15, 6, 1066, 548, 121, 134
- Soil: Clay loam
- Elevation: 45 meters (147 feet)
- Exposure: North facing
- Training: Lyre and VSP
-
-
Vintage Report
- Yields: 4 tons/acre
- Brix: 22°
-
Vinification
-
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
-
-
Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
-
Tasting Notes
-
The 2020 vintage was another excellent vintage following on from the exceptional 2019. 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. The Chardonnay from 2020 is particularly fragrant and this purity is a step up from what we saw in 2019. This is a quality Chardonnay wine of style and pedigree that is delicious now but has the capability of aging as well as any of its predecessors
-
Images
Reviews
-
Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu — 2020 – Wine Spectator – 92 Points
“Shows succulent peach, nectarine and apple flavors that are intense and juicy, with a hint of butterscotch and mineral. The finish reveals notes of orange blossom.”
-
Kumeu River Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu — 2020 – James Suckling – 95 Points
Intense and complex chardonnay with lemons and peaches, as well as pastry and fresh cream. The palate is stacked with ripe-peach flavor and fresher, citrus tones and has complex, layered texture. Classy wine.
-
Kumeu River Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu — 2020 – Vinous – 91 Points
There's a sense of calm to the 2020 Chardonnay Estate, a blend of six different sites. It is mellow, offering a plump cushion of Chardonnay goodness on the midpalate but not becoming heavy nor opulent, its youthful edge and fresh acidity tying it together into a precise finish. It offers classic subtle Chardonnay characters of Golden Delicious apple, white nectarine, and a mere whiff of oak-derived smokiness. Well-constructed, satisfying, and elegant.
-
Kumeu River Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu — 2020 – Jancis Robinson – 17 Points
Lightly but not excessively reductive on the nose. Already quite expansive on the nose with beautiful impact on the palate: citrus, blossom and really neat acidity without much astringency. Elegant and racy – almost lightweight on the mid palate and then it is impressively persistent. A thorough delight already.