Chardonnay Estate, Kumeu River 2021

Lemons, white apricots, white grapefruit, slate and sea shells. Elegant and mineral, with a medium body and creamy, textured and layered palate. Classy and fresh. Drink now or hold. Screw cap.

20% new barrels. From six different plots round Kumeu of which they own four and run them all. Same vinification and élevage as Rays Road. 5,000 casesSmoky, tense and lively on the nose. Very fine and open. Slight smokiness on the palate also. Great balance. (2006 and 2007 are still looking good in 2022 apparently.) A fair copy of a fine Chassagne! GV 2022 - 2032

The 2021 Chardonnay Estate is an open, flowing white. It has a rich fragrance speaking of its time in the cellar - oak-derived nutty notes and vanilla meet sweet pastry characters often found when wines are left on their lees. The lightly cooked apple fruit in this young wine sits underneath. Gentle acidity leaves a tender rather than taut finish. Drink 2022-2027.