2023
Kumeu Village Chardonnay
2023
Kumeu Village Chardonnay
This is a wine where we always have a bottle in the fridge. The perfect aperitif Chardonnay, it's a wine that pairs very well with all types of seafood. Fermented 40% in old French oak barriques, and 60% in stainless steel tanks there is very little oak influence on either nose or palate. This has allowed the vibrant fruit to show through beautifully with lively lime and lemon aromas and a flinty, mineral edginess with hints of fig and white peach.
Winemaker's Notes
The 2023 Vintage was a tricky vintage with lower ripeness levels where careful selection was crucial. As a result the quantity produced was over 30% less than the 2022 vintage. Our own Rays Road vineyard in Hawkes Bay made up 88% of the final blend which gives the wine a distinct limestone edginess. The moderate alcohol level of 12.5% gives a wine of freshness with a lovely flinty texture. The citrus elements of Chardonnay shine through with a refreshing cleansing finish. This wine is delightful as an aperitif, and even better to drink with fish and shellfish.
Vinification
Indigenous yeast fermentation
100% malo-lactic fermentation
16% Tank Fermentation
84% Barrel Fermentation
(5 year old + French oak barriques)
88% Hawkes Bay
12% Kumeu
Drink with
- Seafood
- Pasta
- Chicken
- Risotto
Kumeu Village Chardonnay
The first vintage of Village Chardonnay I tasted was from the 2002 vintage and it has been my “house Chardonnay” ever since.
Bob Campbell - MW