Winery - Kumeu River
* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This may not be as long-lived as its Matés’s Vineyard stablemate, but is it ever luscious now. Toasty, mealy aromas carry hints of roasted nuts, but this flamboyantly oaky wine features fruit to spare, adding layers of apple and citrus flavors that round out the wine without becoming soft or flabby. Drink now. Imported by Wilson Daniels Ltd.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
This wine won’t slam you broadside with size and power, but you’ll appreciate its subtle charms. Opens with green-apple, peach and spice aromas. Similar flavors, with ample acidity. Notable for its structure and balance.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
An adult version of Honey-Nut Cheerios? The sweet nutty and leesy aromas are reminiscent of a certain breakfast cereal. Zesty acidity and lemon-lime fruit flavors keep this rich, earthy wine from being heavy. Winemaker Michael Brajkovich seems to have a sure touch with Chardonnay.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
One of New Zealand’s perennial award-winners, the 2003 Mate’s Chard features wonderfully complete aromas that combine scents of smoke and toasted oats with grilled fruit and nut meat. It’s full-bodied, drenching the palate with grilled-nut and citrus flavors, before finishing on a long, harmonious note. Imported by Wilson Daniels Ltd.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A distinctly Burgundian-style effort, with aromas of buttered and toasted hazelnuts backed by spiced pears. Very toasty and rich, but boasts enough citrusy acidity (despite 100% malolactic fermentation) to carry it off. A five-vineyard blend from an area just outside of Auckland. World class.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Soft and jam-packed with sweet and snappy strawberry and rhubarb aromas. The flavors are similar and are buffeted by a refreshing cool herbal streak. This is like a berry sundae—easy-going and fun to dig into. Being a wine from young vines, it’s more straightforward than complex.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
From this well-respected winery comes a solid effort. Citrus, butter and cream, smoke, and a grassy herbaceousness all contribute to this well-rounded, zesty wine, which is riper than many and seems geared to the U.S. market.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
The entry-level Chardonnay from Kumeu River gives just a taste of what heights its Chardonnays can achieve. With only one third aged in oak, the wine comes across as rather fruity and direct, with pleasant pear, pineapple and melon flavors and a round, easygoing style.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
Kumeu River’s entry-level Chardonnay boasts plenty of tropical fruit and citrus flavors, all rolled into a fresh, crisp wine. It’s a simple fruit cocktail, but with well-judged balance and zesty, food-friendly acids.
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* Expert NoteJanuary 12, 2012
A fresh, fruit-forward style, this wine offers bold passion fruit and gooseberry flavors with just a hint of nectarine. It’s not terribly complex, but the refreshing flavors linger nicely on the finish.
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