Kumeu River Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2023 750ml

A blend of multiple sites, Kumeu's “Estate” bottling, in some ways, marries the best of everything. It's a fruity number, with bright peach, melon, nougat, ginger and white blossom aromas right from first sniff, underscored gently by more lactic, toasty ones. The palate strikes a lovely balance of vibrant, crisp acidity and creamy roundness.

This may be the lowest priced of the Kumeu range, but there's a salivating factor that makes it very appealing to drink now. Bright melon, peach and white florals lead, with the creamier elements tucked neatly behind. There's a lovely lift of acidity to balance the fruit, oak and lees influence on the palate. An excellent intro to NZ's Chardonnay benchmark producer. Drink up.

This is fresh, crunchy and clean, with mineral and spice notes and plenty of salty undertones. Sliced lemons and apples. Medium-bodied with a fresh finish. Drink now. Screw cap.

A delicious chardonnay with a sour lemon, cooked apple and grapefruit undertone. Medium body. Tangy and fruity. Drink now. Screw cap.

There’s a wonderful sense of restraint to the complex pear, lemon and white peach flavors, with hints of beeswax, lemon blossoms and ripe, salted melon. Drink now. 7,500 cases made, 952 cases imported. (MaryAnn Worobiec)

The 2023 Estate Chardonnay leads with preserved citrus, white flowers, crushed nuts and brine. In the mouth, the wine is light and lacy—hints of green apple, nectarine and a little tangerine—with taut acidity that vibrates through the ethereally weighted fruit. It's a light iteration of this wine and lovely for it. It was made with handpicked fruit, whole-bunch pressed and barrel fermented using indigenous yeasts. 12.5% alcohol's sealed under screw cap.

A restrained version, with lemon, lime, apple and quince flavors that show details of ginger, spices and lemon verbena. There are citrus zest and pith notes on the finish. Drink now. 896 cases imported.