Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu — 2022
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Introduction
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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.
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Vineyard Profile
- Location: Kumeu, Auckland
- Cultivation: Sustainable
- Size: 12 hectares (29.7 acres)
- Vine Age: Varies between 7-33 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
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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.
The excellent 2022 vintage came on the heels of three others, in a magnificent chain of four superb quality harvests.
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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
- Alcohol: 13%
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Tasting Notes
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The Kumeu vineyards that contribute to this wine gave us a blend of Chardonnay that is particularly ripe, peachy and not only delicious to drink but also has the concentration and lingering complexity that we expect from this wine. This is quality Chardonnay of style and pedigree that we know has the capability of aging as well as any of its predecessors.
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Images
Reviews
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Estate Chardonnay, Kumeu — 2022 – Wine Enthusiast – 92 Points
“A flinty, roasted nut character edges the zingy tropical, peach and melon fruit. It follows on the palate where power is tempered by a saltwater-like acidity. The fruit concentration holds up the toasty oak.”
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu — 2022 – James Suckling – 95 Points
"Aromas and flavors of sliced apples, lemon curd and hints of stone. Oyster shell. Lime undertones. It’s medium-bodied. Firm and fine phenolics. Tension and focus. Impressive for the vintage."
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Chardonnay, Estate, Kumeu — 2022 – Vinous – 91 Points
"The 2022 Chardonnay Estate is calm, its shoulders are down and its almost succulent in its personality as it makes it debut in your mouth. The acidity is gentle, particularly when compared with the nervosity of 2021. There's a fine textural character that could well be tannin that keeps this giving and leaves you licking your lips. Flavors of nectarine, clove and vanilla-like oak notes make for a rather festive finish (20% new oak). The nectarine-infused length persists making this one that'll slip down easily over the next 3-5 years at the very least."