A year on from release, the Estate has developed beautifully. With a slightly reductive opening on the nose, that then shows roast cashew, lemon rind, peach, golden apple and grapefruit, with a nutmeg, oatmeal bouquet. Concentrated and ripe, intense yet welcoming. It’s lost a little of that youthful tightness and edges, but still has the lively mineral-flecked acidity that drives through the elegant, generous palate. A small oak influence – the wine has caramel, honey and a vanilla spiciness – but not at all ‘oaky’. Enhanced with a creamy, rounded texture, with everything in a lovely supple balance. Superbly long finish. 93pts.
Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2019
