Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2023 - 750ml

94pts Wine Enthusiast

A blend of multiple sites, Kumeu’s “Estate” bottling, in some ways, marries the best of everything. It’s a fruity number, with bright peach, melon, nougat, ginger and white blossom aromas right from first sniff, underscored gently by more lactic, toasty ones. The palate strikes a lovely balance of vibrant, crisp acidity and creamy roundness.

93pts James Suckling

This is fresh, crunchy and clean, with mineral and spice notes and plenty of salty undertones. Sliced lemons and apples. Medium-bodied with a fresh finish.

91pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2023 Estate Chardonnay leads with preserved citrus, white flowers, crushed nuts and brine. In the mouth, the wine is light and lacy—hints of green apple, nectarine and a little tangerine—with taut acidity that vibrates through the ethereally weighted fruit. It's a light iteration of this wine and lovely for it. It was made with handpicked fruit, whole-bunch pressed.

89pts Wine Spectator

A restrained version, with lemon, lime, apple and quince flavors that show details of ginger, spices and lemon verbena. There are citrus zest and pith notes on the finish

Winemaker Notes

The wine begins with a fragrant lemon aroma with hint of white peach. The palate silky and balanced with a lovely citrus finish.