Coddington Chardonnay, Kumeu River 2022

Sliced apple, apple, sea shell and crushed stone aromas follow through to a full body yet it’s tight and structured with an impressive fruit, acidic and phenolic balance giving it focus and intensity. Drinkable but better in a few years. Screw cap.

The 2022 Coddington Chardonnay leads with lemon balm/oil, green-olive brine, crème brûlée top (a.k.a. scorched brown sugar), peach fuzz, and an abundance of orchard fruit. In the mouth, kiwi fruit acidity (a.k.a. juicy, sweet, tart) defines the perimeters of the flavors and beckons you in for another, closer look. It's very, very good, a distinct wine, pure, all aspects delineated and deliberate. I like this. It feels orderly and mathematical. If the wine had a sound, it would be a straight-pace bowl at the wickets, one flying out of stumps (name a better sound, I'll wait). It's not that immediately obvious, though; it builds and takes a while to assert itself, and I like that too. Very good. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. 2023 - 2037

A stunning expression of intense fruit flavors, with notes of lemon sherbet, lemon curd and peach flavors at the core, with fresh, vibrant acidity and details of toasted, salted hazelnut, orange blossoms and lemon verbena that linger on the long finish. Drink now. 1,400 cases made, 224 cases imported.

Very pale straw. Rich and quite intense. With some savour and vibrancy. Lots of grip.Very bright fruit with good appeal and perhaps a bit less obviously sweet than in the past. 13.5%. Drink 2024 – 2030