2012 Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay
Buying options
Tasting notes
The plump, succulent 2012 Estate Chardonnay shows plenty of ripe peach notes and perhaps a touch less oak than previous vintages. Ripe, juicy and round, it may be drunk with pleasure now and over the next 5-6 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
Neal Martin
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
The 2012 Estate Chardonnay has a youthful, linear, penetrating bouquet with superb delineation and poise, one of the most mineral-driven Estate Chardonnays in recent years. The palate is very well balanced, displaying beautifully integrated new oak, well-judged acidity and real complexity toward the nuanced, persistent finish, which features bitter lemon, almond, grilled walnut and a touch of smoke. One of the best Estate Chardonnays in recent years. Tasted at the Kumeu River Chardonnay vertical in London.
Light, fresh nose without massive subtlety. Big and quite brawny. But still technically perfect. A bit like a Meursault given a spring clean. (JR)
Extremely well-mannered, discreet nose with nothing out of place. Lots of crystalline precision and refinement. Excellent balance. Good presence in the mouth. Exciting and tense. Readier than the others. (JR)