2023
Rays Road Chardonnay
2023
Rays Road Chardonnay
Rays Road is Kumeu River’s new vineyard site in Hawkes Bay. This limestone hillside is at 180 m altitude, with a northerly aspect. It is dry-farmed to yield high quality grapes for wine under the Rays Road name for our Kumeu River label. This Chardonnay was hand-harvested, whole bunch pressed and fermented with wild yeast in older French Oak barrels to give a wine that is zesty and fragrant, with mineral complexity that is very true to its site.
Limit of 6 bottles per customer
Winemaker's Notes
The 2023 vintage in Hawkes Bay was affected by cyclone Gabrielle and Rays Road was at least lucky to be at 180 meters elevation to avoid any flooding. The vintage was still tricky however with cooler temperatures and less ripeness that usual. Having said that we believe the 2023 Rays Road Chardonnay is the finest we have made from this vineyard to date. Immediately from the aroma we see the limestone flintiness and citrus which this vineyard is becoming known for. The palate is beautifully concentrated and has a density that we have not previously seen. Texturally beautify and long this wine is delicious now but we are excited to see the effect of bottle age over the next 5- 7 years.
This wine is a terrific addition to the Kumeu River range and we are now seeing the quality advance that we were expecting from this site.
Vinification
Hand harvested
Whole-bunch pressed
Indigenous yeast fermentation
100% barrel fermentation
French Oak
100% malo-lactic fermentation
11 months maturation in barrel
12.8%vol.
Drink with
- Seafood
- Pasta
- Chicken
- Risotto
Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay
"A tight, focused and dense white. Sliced cooked apples, minerals and stone, with hints of dried mangoes. It’s medium-bodied and focused with a flavorful finish. Lime undertones. Drink or hold" - James Suckling, 96 Points
