2023 Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay

Having originally gone into blends, Kumeu believed the fruit from this site could make a great single-vineyard Chardonnay - they're certainly not wrong.

Whole bunches are pressed and fermented in oak, with full malolactic fermentation followed by 11 months in barrels. The fruit is pristine and this shows in its purity and the fact it has great acid, even though the region is relatively warm.

Peach, blossom, citrus, almond, warm pastries, spice - it's all there, tantalising you and aided by such richness and ripeness, while remaining supremely balanced. A wine to drink while pondering the universe.

95 points
"The complexity and flintiness are so enticing, with sliced apples, lemons, minerals and gunpowder. Full-bodied, dense and intense, with subtle brioche, cooked lemon and apple notes. Racy and steely but with richness underneath. Some lemongrass. So complex. Drink or hold. Screw cap."
- James Suckling