Description
Kumeu River, northwest of Auckland is without a doubt NZ’s finest chardonnay producer. Master of Wine and Winemaker Michael Brajkovich has been crafting fine chardonnay at the estate since the 1980’s. Hand picked fruit and vigorous selection from the low yielding vines, whole bunch pressed, wild yeasts, a third of the fruit fermented in French oak barriques and full malolactic fermentation to soften the pristine acidity and add texture and dimension. Not surprising Michael is not shy in comparing his Chardonnays with the great White Burgundies like Domaine Leflaive! 2010 was a near perfect growing season with low rainfall and warm ripening conditions resulting in lovely ripe, honeyed fruit with, citrus and stone fruit aromas so superb quality but very little to go around ! ( yields were down 50% due late frost in Spring).
Kumeu’s Coddington single vineyard wine (owned by the Coddington family and first made into single vineyard wine by Kumeu River in 2006), is handpicked, whole bunch pressed, wild yeasts, 100% barrel fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation, 11 month maturation in Fine French oak. It is the warmest site and produces the ripest most opulent of their beautiful chardonnays. Concentrated mouthfilling power, depth of fruit and balance reminiscent of grand cru burgundy. Some bottle age now has revealed complexity and layers, stone fruit, butterscotch, citrus balanced by beautifully integrated french oak. This is a world class chardonnay that will go many more years but it is drinking beautifully now!
At a blind tasting in London last year of the most highly esteemed white Burgundies with a panel of experts (included leading wine writers Jancis Robinson, Neal Martin of the Wine Advocate) the Kumeu River Coddington 2010 blitzed the event and was the highest rated wine against the leading white burgundies from Chassagne- Montrachet at several times the price! As Jancis reported from tasting .. “won hands down, costing a fraction of the wines they trounced” and added that “the Kumeu wines shone because they were better made and more sophisticated….fresh as a daisy and clearly a glorious future ahead”.
Other comments from the tasting:- Neal Martin, eRobertParker.com “Kumeu River’s Chardonnays … are some of the best in the world … a world-class estate producing world-class wines.”;
Mathew Jukes “… crushed the Old World stars with ease! You must find a space for these wines in your cellar …these are incredible wines. One sip is all that is needed to add Kumeu to your list of greats.”
Reviews of Coddington Chardonnay 2010:
“Fine mineral, toasty nose. Lively citrus and pear fruit with a stylish breadth and lovely focus, showing notes of white peach and subtle toast. Youthful and lovely.” 94 points, Jamie Goode, Wineanorak.com, May 2016
“The 2010 Coddington Chardonnay opens with delicate notes of warm lemons, white peaches and fresh ginger with hints of apple tart and crushed stones. This medium-bodied, vibrant and silky Chardonnay has great concentration and a long, citrusy finish. Drink it now to 2017+.” 92 points, Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, eRobertParker.com (203), October 2012
“Bright medium yellow. Aromas of pear skin and brown spices, complemented by musky butterscotch and hazelnut nuances. Fat and ripe but not overly sweet, with stone fruit and spicy oak flavors showing a chewy, tactile quality. Finishes with very good spicy breadth and firmness but this young wine is still a bit muted by reduction today.” 90 points, Stephen Tanzer, International Wine Cellar, September 2013
RRP $68
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