2011 Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay
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Tasting notes
The toasty, cedar nose is a bit overpowering in this lighter, crisper year. The 2011 Estate Chardonnay is more about lime and grapefruit than ripe peachy fruit, showing fine line and length in a medium-bodied format. Drink up.
Critic scores
Average Score
Jancis Robinson MW
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2011 Estate Chardonnay offers attractive scents of honeysuckle, yellow flowers and grass clippings on the well-defined nose; unexpected flinty scents emerge with aeration. The fresh, vibrant palate is very well balanced, displaying a taut line of acidity and outstanding harmony. There is real complexity on a Meursault-like finish that lingers in the mouth. Wonderful. Tasted at the Kumeu River Chardonnay vertical in London.
That very wet year. Darker than most other vintages. Very deep straw. A little bit of rot? It is very different from most – without the nerve and definitely a bit lacking fresh fruit. Over its best? Alcohol stands out a bit too. (JR)
Pale gold. Crunchy, mealy nose with masses of refreshing pure green fruit on the palate. Racy and still very youthful. (JR)