2007 Kumeu River releases. Tasted 1/11/08

2006 was an exciting vintage for Kumeu River releasing two new single vineyard chardonnays in the form of Coddington and Hunting Hill. The quality of the vintage was truly reflected in a highly acclaimed 2006 Kumeu River Mates Chardonnay as well. Today we were able to try the subsequent vintage at the winery.

2007 in Auckland I always remember as finishing with abundant rain, so it was interesting to taste these wines today. My general impression was that the 2007 wines were a lot more approachable, extremely well integrated with subtlety and detail. The oak handling was exemplary. They definitely have the Kumeu river signature stamped all over them. Perhaps these wines are not as concentrated as the 2006’s and will not live as long in the cellar, but this does not detract from their beauty and genius fruit expression.

2007 Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay. A sophisticated nose of ripe citrus and shades of pineapple. The palate is delicate and integrated with ripe lemon citrus and fresh pineapple. All these flavours are apparent among a refined, finely boned acids and a focused structure. Already drinking well, it is a lot more approachable than the 2006 was on release though perhaps a shade simpler. 95/109

2007 Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay. This is a much more serious wine and a definite step up. It is very aromatic with aromas of fresh fennel, lemon and grapefruit with a minerally edge. The palate is beautifully elegant with a definite tautness to the structure but also creaminess among detailed, fine and elegant acids. Again the integration of this wine betters the 2006 on release. Super stuff! 97/109

2007 Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay. As with the 2006 version, the Coddington just seems to show a little more breadth on the palate and a slightly fuller plumper body. The nose is packed full of ripe citrus; lemon and grapefruits. The structure is detailed and almost dainty all moving into a classy long finish. Great complexity demonstrated here. A multifaceted wine. 98/109

2007 Kumeu River Mates Vineyard Chardonnay. We tried this wine next to the 2006 version. An extra dimension of richness and depth is offered in this wine over its siblings. Nose of Grapefruit, lemon and fresh lychee. The palate shows great depth and dimension while still remaining fleet footed and light on the palate. A silky, almost filmy texture offers excellent mouth feel. It is not the size or concentration of the 2006 and definitely will be earlier drinking but it excels with superior integration and detail. 98/109