Kumeu River
Showing 1 thru -9 of 45
Kumeu River 1999 Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay (Kumeu)
- $33
Smokier and toastier than Kumeu’s regular Chardonnay, the fruit is also dialed up, with ripe pears, peaches and even orange blossoms. The long, citrusy finish leaves you searching for another pour. Should be long-lived as well.
— J.C.
(5/1/2001)
Kumeu River 2007 Hunting Hill Chardonnay (Kumeu)
- Editors' Choice
- $42
Smoky and fruity upfront, reminiscent of wood-grilled white peaches, but tinged with hints of toasted hazelnut and pineapple as well. This is full-bodied yet reined in by the intense, citrus-zest finish. Drink it over the next 5–7 years.
— J.C.
(7/1/2010)
Kumeu River 2008 Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay (Kumeu)
- $47
The 2008 Maté’s shows more lushness than typical for the vineyard, but retains its hallmark lime-like acidity. It’s almost full bodied, with a creamy, lush mouthfeel and plenty of roasted-nut complexity wrapped around melony fruit. Finishes with lingering oak spice and citrus. Drink now–2016.
— J.C.
(6/1/2011)
Kumeu River 1998 Chardonnay (Kumeu)
- $33
A distinctly Burgundian-style effort, with aromas of buttered and toasted hazelnuts backed by spiced pears. Very toasty and rich, but boasts enough citrusy acidity (despite 100% malolactic fermentation) to carry it off. A five-vineyard blend from an area just outside of Auckland. World class.
— J.C.
(10/1/2000)
Kumeu River 2003 Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay (Kumeu)
- Editors' Choice
- $37
One of New Zealand’s perennial award-winners, the 2003 Mate’s Chard features wonderfully complete aromas that combine scents of smoke and toasted oats with grilled fruit and nut meat. It’s full-bodied, drenching the palate with grilled-nut and citrus flavors, before finishing on a long, harmonious note. Imported by Wilson Daniels Ltd.
— J.C.
(7/1/2005)
Kumeu River 2004 Chardonnay (Kumeu)
- Editors' Choice
- $33
This may not be as long-lived as its Matés’s Vineyard stablemate, but is it ever luscious now. Toasty, mealy aromas carry hints of roasted nuts, but this flamboyantly oaky wine features fruit to spare, adding layers of apple and citrus flavors that round out the wine without becoming soft or flabby. Drink now. Imported by Wilson Daniels Ltd.
— J.C.
(7/1/2006)
Kumeu River 2007 Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay (Kumeu)
- $47
One of New Zealand’s icon Chardonnays, the 2007 version of Maté’s is a smoky, bacon-scented offering, with plenty of leesy richness to go with bold pineapple and melon fruit. It’s full bodied, ending on notes of smoke and roasted coffee.
— J.C.
(7/1/2010)
Kumeu River 2008 Estate Chardonnay (Kumeu)
- Editors' Choice
- $35
A blend of several vineyard parcels, Kumeu River’s Estate bottling is the best value in the winery’s impressive lineup of 2008 Chardonnays. It shows all of the toasty, leesy notes of the single-vineyard wines, medium body and a bright core of zesty pineapple fruit. Drink now–2014.
— J.C.
(6/1/2011)
Showing 1 thru -9 of 45
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