Chardonnay, Rays Road, Hawkes Bay
The Wine Advocate
91 Points
A bit more floral and citrusy than the Kumeu-region bottlings, this shows plenty of pineapple and even lemon-lime aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, it's crisp and zesty, with a long, citrusy finish.
Wine Spectator
91 Points
Lemon curd, green apple and pomelo flavors are juicy and vibrant, with terrific focus, intensity and a mouthwatering finish. Details of ruby grapefruit, lemon verbena and lime zest linger on the sleek finish.
Vinous
90 Points
This is just the second vintage of Rays Road, and it is a delightfully restrained yet energetic Chardonnay. Despite the warm, dry year, it has maintained a taut, citrusy structure, lovely fine acid length and an almost salty texture. Winemaker Michael Brajkovich suggested that this tension is, in part, due to differences in ripeness within bunches as well as the site's limestone soils.
jamessuckling.com
93 Points
A very bold delivery of ripe-peach aromas with some gently buttery undertones. The palate has a smooth, creamy textural build to a fresh, crisp and dry peach finish. Drink now. Screw cap.