Kumeu River, Estate Chardonnay 2021

95 points Wine Enthusiast
"One of the best bargains around, from New Zealand’s leading Chardonnay producer, this is restrained, creamy and downright delicious. Vibrant aromas of lemon peel, melon, toast and flint lead to a supple, slinky, elegant palate of tingly citrus acidity and supportive oak. Ultra food-friendly, this could also cellar for eight to ten years."

94 points James Suckling
"Lemons, white apricots, white grapefruit, slate and sea shells. Elegant and mineral, with a medium body and creamy, textured and layered palate. Classy and fresh. Drink now."

Jancis Robinson
"20% new barrels. From six different plots round Kumeu of which they own four and run them all. Same vinification and élevage as Rays Road. 5,000 cases
Smoky, tense and lively on the nose. Very fine and open. Slight smokiness on the palate also. Great balance. (2006 and 2007 are still looking good in 2022 apparently.) A fair copy of a fine Chassagne! GV 17+/20 points."

Karen MacNeil - The Wine Bible
"Year in and year out, Kumeu River makes two of the most impressive chardonnays in New Zealand... Fascinatingly distinctive and artisanal, and seem to have more in common with white Burgundies than with other New World chardonnays."