From a vineyard in Kumeu, west Auckland – named after local owners Tim and Angela Coddington. A light green and golden straw colour in the glass. Boldly perfumed, with stonefruit, citrus, oatmeal, cardamom, danish pastry, orange blossom and a struck-match flintiness. Acidity if fresh, giving plenty of drive through the palate. A toasty spice note suggests oak is also forming the spine, and along with a a wet-stone minerality, there is plenty of structure on which that ripe fruit hangs. Texture has been a feature of the wine over the years, and there’s a velvet plushness at the back of the palate, where the elements gather together and are cossetted in the finish. Needs a little time to completely gel, but is a good bet for medium-term cellaring. 94pts
Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2023
