Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2018
In his article "To Paint A Picture: Kumeu River Chardonnay", Neal Martin wrote "Amongst the very best Chardonnay producers in the world is Kumeu River in New Zealand. Their Chardonnays were put to the test a few years ago when several were assessed blind, intermixed with some very serious Puligny-Montrachets and Meursaults. Kumeu River triumphed to such an extent that it became almost embarrassing. And to think that you can buy an entire case of Kumeu River for the cost of a single bottle of some Grand Crus.”
Kumeau Chardonnays are one of the best Burgundian style Chardonnays outside of France, and this Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay is no exception. The quality level is off the charts in a very unassuming package. Everything is lovingly executed from wild yeast fermentation to barrel selection. These wines can age just like 1er Cru & Grand Cru white Burgundy. Any questions?
Wine Enthusiast: "Within Kumeu's wide range of Chardonnays (after all, this far northern winery has carved its reputation on the variety), its estate wine is the one to go for if drinking young, although it will continue to blossom over the next five to seven years. Exceptionally food-friendly, it offers all the length and class of the upper-tier wines, but with more upfront appeal in the form of bright citrus and pear fruit, white spice and honey. Like with its brethren, the palate stars in the show with texture and acidity striking a graceful balancing act, and with oak taking a back seat." May 2020
James Suckling: "This has attractive fresh peaches and grilled pears with intensity and focus, as well as gently complex, spice and flinty nuances. The palate delivers so much supple and vibrant stone-fruit flavor. Drink now." Aug 2019
Winery: "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."
| Bottle |
750ml, screw cap |
| Varietal | 100% Chardonnay |
| Alcohol |
14.0% |
| Total Acidity | 5.6g/L |
| pH | 3.21 |
| Aging | 11 months in barrel |
| Region | Auckland, New Zealand |
