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. Handpicked 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!
“If you can taste history, duty and family pride in a glass, it’s there in the Kumeu River Chardonnays … some of New Zealand’s greatest Chardonnays, not to mention the world’s.” Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, The Wine Advocate
“If these aren’t the best chardonnays in New Zealand (and some of the best in the world), I’d like to see what could roll them.” Huon Hooke, SMH, Oct 2012
From the winery … “This wine is produced from a vineyard owned by Tim and Angela Coddington, whose grapes have contributed to the blend of Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay since 1998. It is a vineyard that produces very rich and unctuous Chardonnay that we have long believed could make an excellent single vineyard wine. In 2006, we decided to give Coddington single vineyard status to reflect this vineyard’s unique character.”
Here is an opportunity to taste and understand the magic of a couple of years’ bottle age and longevity of wines from this extraordinary producer.
94 points, Stuart Pigott, jamessuckling.com.au “Quite a rich wine with some caramel and plenty of dried pear character. At once creamy and well-structured, this is pretty concentrated chardonnay that can easily stand next to burgundian Premier Crus from top producers. Long, citrusy finish that makes a bold statement. Drink or hold.” Oct 2018
94 points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front “Creamy, with a butter menthol and floral perfume, peach and melon, layered with ginger and spices. Medium bodied, glossy and smooth, bright acidity keeps it trim, and a viscous and perfumed finish of excellent length. It’s the biggest of the trio, but very satisfying and delivers Chardonnay with luscious, yet controlled appeal.” Dec 2017
96 points, Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review “Ripe, quite lush chardonnay with stone fruit, peach, apricot and nectarine flavours, with citrus and a seasoning of hazelnut and ginger characters. A very attractive wine with an impeccable balance and a lingering finish.”
92 points, Neal Martin, Vinous “…This has so much verve and class.”
94 points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front “Strong perfume of stone fruits, honeysuckle, hay, lemongrass and ginger. Palate is quite apple-y, potent, full, yet has a superb chalkiness through mid palate to finish. Fresh. It’s got concentration, drive and lift in spades. It’s a pretty epic, powerful style, but not over done. Quality plus. “
Our Price $94.99 – Last of this vintage.
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