Coddington Chardonnay, Kumeu River 2020

The 2020 Coddington Chardonnay is ripe and plump in the mouth, tailed by very fine, chalky acidity and tannins. Far from being boisterous or explosive, this unfolds with an orderly, organized outlay of flavor and texture, each quality woven into the other. Exciting drinking here, with wonderful, piercing intensity of flavor. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

From the Coddington vineyard. Pale greenish straw colour. Broad, rather floral nose with some light chewiness on the end. Not quite ready yet. Hint of lemon peel on the finish. Not the most intense Kumeu Chardonnay but very 'pleasant' for now! It will surely bloom in bottle. 13.5% Drink 2022 – 2028

Oak – 100% barrel fermentation in 25% new French oak and 100% malolactic fermentation with 11 months maturation in barrel.Coddington is my pick of the two ‘Premiers Crus’ not least because it is seamless, refined and already completely integrated. This is a sensual wine with wonderful texture and refinement. Sometimes Coddington looks a little light and feeble, by comparison to HH and Maté’s but in 2020 it is a shimmering beauty. In value terms, you are still only matching up to a low-level Saint-Aubin, so this wine, again, aces it against Burgundian competition.

This is a wine of real purity and elegance with fresh sliced peaches and lemons, as well as some light pastry notes. The palate is fine, unwaveringly long and pure with enlivening acidity through the finish. Stunning. Drink or hold. Screw cap.