Chardonnay Estate, Kumeu River 2019

I tasted the 2019 Estate Chardonnay six years from harvest, almost to the date, and the wine is showing white chocolate, cigar leaf, shaved fennel and white peach. On the palate, the wine is complete—rich and full, with acidity that feels undiminished by time and with flavors of caramel wafer, salted peach and something like malt/Ovaltine that kisses the edges of the fruit. I'd be interested to see where this goes, because the finish and acidity remain composed—unfragmented—hinting at a longer life than perhaps the fruit has in it. It's exciting to drink now, though, and will be for the next few years.

The real steal is the 2019 Estate Chardonnay. It is absolutely glorious. A selection of the best grapes from 'six different vineyards in the Kumeu region'. Hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed, indigenous-yeast fermentation, 100% barrel fermentation, 100% malolactic conversion and 11-month maturation in barrel.Pale greenish straw. Some super-delicate oak on the nose (or do I just mean a hint of savoury Côte d'Or perfume?!). So pure on the nose yet with great grip on the palate and already accessible in a grapefruit sort of way. With this intensity of fruit, it will clearly evolve into something even more convincing but you could certainly enjoy it now. It has both weight and a crystalline quality. VGV Drink 2020 – 2025

Beautifully aromatic; there is plenty of nectarine and white peach fruit. New oak definitely makes an appearance and gives an opulence and flamboyance to the palate. Great density of fruit, harnessed by succulent acidity. Some flinty/smoke on the finish. Great length. Impressive. Drink from 2025-2039. Tasted Mar 2025. ***** 5 Star Wine

Boasting signature scents of toasted hazelnuts and white peaches, the 2019 Estate Chardonnay is a classic example of the house style. Medium to full-bodied, it somehow manages to be creamy and zesty at the same time, with rich fruit enlivened by electric acidity and bright citrus notes. Always enjoyable young, this vintage looks to have at least a decade's worth of longevity. 2021-2030.