The only one of the Kumeu River single vineyard Chardonnays to come from Hawke’s Bay – this vintage was the second release from the limestone soil hillside vineyard. A pale straw colour in the glass. The bouquet is clearly varietal, with a complex and inviting rush of nectarine, grapefruit, lemon, apple, almond and a touch of seashore salinity and ozone. The palate shows crisp acidity, toasty oak and a refrain of that chalky minerality from the nose. Plush and generously fruity – the structure enabling the silky texture and ripe stonefruit flavours to shine. Quite energetic and intense – I had considered this vintage to be a step up when I tried it on release – but this fresh tasting is a revelation. A very complete and seamless expression, with a sense of place as well. 95pts
Kumeu River ‘Rays Road’ Chardonnay 2019
