The top tier wine from the Kumeu producer – from the vineyard named after the founder of this family-run winery. At over twenty years old, it is excellent to see a New Zealand Chardonnay in beautiful condition. Sealed under screwcap. A deep lemon-straw in the glass, the depth of colour showing some aged quality, but with a brilliant brightness. As vinous as it is ripe with fruit, with toasty oak, vanilla and lemon blossom amongst the citrus and stonefruit on the nose. A solid weight at first into the palate – dense, concentrated and opulent. Leave it a couple of minutes and the wine unfurls, with more delicacy and balance emerging. Acidity is holding up well, and there’s a good flow and line through the palate. Texturally smooth but with that signature dry bite of pithyness at the lengthy finish. 98pts
Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay 2004
