2023 Kumeu River Village Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
A little less than 20% Kumeu fruit and just over 80% from Hawke’s Bay, the vineyard area covering a total of 14 hectares planted between 1989 and 2016. Hand-picked. Spontaneous fermentation. 100% malo. 84% fermented in French oak barriques at least five years old and 16% in tank. Fresh, citrus nose. Delicate and lively but slightly thin. Not long but fine for a refreshing, early-drinking Chardonnay. Drying finish. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
This is a subtle, well-put-together 2023 Chardonnay Village with a flush of bright, mouthwatering acidity that holds the wine together as if a zipper. Restrained fruit meets gentle leesy characters, lending a savory element to the style. It's not a long wine but is done in a zesty aperitif style Chardonnay for drinking in youth on a summer's day.
The 2023 Village Chardonnay is silky and sleek in the mouth, with lemon flesh, curd, almond meal and brine. The wine has loads of flavor but is restrained and composed; it's a really great entrée to the world of Kumeu River. Eighty percent of the fruit is from the Hawke's Bay vineyard. 12.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.