Kumeu River 2022 Chardonnay Estate Auckland, New Zealand

$34.89 / $191.94($31.99) six-pack

Kumeu River New Zealand Chardonnays - the southern hemisphere’s greatest white wines? Founded in 1944 by Mick Brajkovich, wife Katé and son Maté, Kumeu River was one of the early pioneers in Auckland, New Zealand that helped to establish its reputation as a world-class wine region.  The 2022 Estate Chardonnay is still young and tight with a hint of reduction on the nose (Think Walter Scott or a number of Meursault producers) while the palate is rich and creamy with a hint of vanilla. “The 2022 Chardonnay Estate is calm, its shoulders are down and its almost succulent in its personality as it makes it debut in your mouth. The acidity is gentle, particularly when compared with the nervosity of 2021. There's a fine textural character that could well be tannin that keeps this giving and leaves you licking your lips. Flavors of nectarine, clove and vanilla-like oak notes make for a rather festive finish (20% new oak). The nectarine-infused length persists making this one that'll slip down easily over the next 3-5 years at the very least. Drink 2023-2028” - 91 Vinous + 95 James Suckling