Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2024

Aromas of sliced apples and pears with some pie crust and croissant undertones. Medium-bodied with bright acidity and a long and tangy finish. Reserved and poised. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

Buttery croissant aromas, smoky snuffed candle, very complex and charming, the palate medium bodied with good weight and medium length, dry finish, impeccable balance. A remarkable wine at the price, detailed and engaging.

• Name des Kritikers: Huon Hooke

A blend of six vineyards, this already displays charming aromas of yellow-skin apple, nectarine and nashi pear. Firm acidity and a very light textural grip. There's a degree of flesh on the palate but not too much. Drink from 2025-2032. Tasted Aug 2025.

• Name des Kritikers: Jane Skilton MW

Is the 2024 Chardonnay Estate the best ever here? Quite possibly. It displays excellent concentration, especially considering this is "just" the estate wine. The 2024 is absolutely banging with intensity, tension and punch. There's a lot going on for your money. Expect a lightly infused brightness with scintillating citrus and integrated nutty layers and complexity. Plenty to unravel.

• Trinkreife: 2026 - 2034
• Name des Kritikers: Rebecca Gibb MW

The 2024 Estate Chardonnay is floral and tightly coiled, with a scratched lime backbone. It's not as complex as the Ray's Road tasted alongside, yet it's utterly composed and restrained. It is mineral and very good indeed. This was tasted as a tank sample prior to filtration and bottling.

• Trinkreife: 2025 - 2034
• Name des Kritikers: Erin Larkin