Kumeu River, Village Chardonnay 2018
Auckland, New Zealand, Dry White, Screwcap, 13.0% abv(2020) From one of New Zealand's Chardonnay maestros, this entry level wine for Kumeu River is still hand-harvested and fermented with wild yeasts. Around 25% of fruit comes from Hawke's Bay the rest from the home vineyards north of Auckland. Made in a combination of stainless steel and older oak barrels, and whole-bunch pressed, it is creamy with a touch of oatmeal and spice, creamy apple, but fresh. Crisp on the finish, a touch of exotic fruit comes through on the mid-palate adding some lusciousness. Watch the video for more information and food-matching ideas.
This has been an excellent steer for weekday drinking during this turbulent year. Thank you Tom for bringing it to our attention.
I might add that the screw cap facilitates drinking over a couple of nights and if anything it gains a little body and complexity over a day or two. I should confess this was only discovered when we kept some from bottle No2 one evening!
Really glad you enjoyed it Ray: I’ve really been enjoying the wine, a brilliant ‘goes with most things’ midweek white as you say, and punches above its weight.