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94 Points
Rated 94 points by James Suckling, this Chardonnay is praised for its focus, density, and mineral complexity.
Sourced from Kumeu River’s new Rays Road vineyard in Hawkes Bay, featuring limestone soils and a northerly aspect, which imparts distinctive flintiness and citrus notes.
Hand-harvested and fermented in older French oak, this wine offers a concentrated, textural profile with a long, flavorful finish, promising further development with bottle age.
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Description
The Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay 2023 is a standout release from this renowned Auckland producer, now showcasing the distinct characteristics of their new Hawkes Bay vineyard. Set on a limestone hillside at 180 meters elevation, the Rays Road site yields a Chardonnay of exceptional concentration and finesse. The wine impresses with its tight focus, offering vibrant notes of cooked apples, minerals, and hints of dried mangoes, complemented by a zesty and fragrant profile.
James Suckling awarded the 2023 vintage 94 points, highlighting its medium-bodied structure and flavorful finish with lime undertones. Despite the challenges of the cooler, cyclone-affected vintage, the wine's density and texture are remarkable, making it an excellent choice for both immediate enjoyment and future aging. With its precise balance and depth, this Chardonnay represents a new pinnacle for Kumeu River's celebrated portfolio.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Aroma:Orange, Peach, Vanilla
Palate:Almond, Baked Apple, Lemon
Food Pairings:
Cheese
Fish
Poultry
Description
The Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay 2023 is a standout release from this renowned Auckland producer, now showcasing the distinct characteristics of their new Hawkes Bay vineyard. Set on a limestone hillside at 180 meters elevation, the Rays Road site yields a Chardonnay of exceptional concentration and finesse. The wine impresses with its tight focus, offering vibrant notes of cooked apples, minerals, and hints of dried mangoes, complemented by a zesty and fragrant profile.
James Suckling awarded the 2023 vintage 94 points, highlighting its medium-bodied structure and flavorful finish with lime undertones. Despite the challenges of the cooler, cyclone-affected vintage, the wine's density and texture are remarkable, making it an excellent choice for both immediate enjoyment and future aging. With its precise balance and depth, this Chardonnay represents a new pinnacle for Kumeu River's celebrated portfolio.
Tasting Profile
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Aroma:
Orange, Peach, Vanilla
Palate:
Almond, Baked Apple, Lemon
Food Pairings:
Cheese
Fish
Poultry
- Light
- Full
- Low Tannin
- Tannic
- Sweet
- Dry
- Low Acidity
- High Acidity
Orange, Peach, Vanilla
Almond, Baked Apple, Lemon
Cheese
Fish
Poultry