2015 Kumeu River Maté’s Chardonnay, Kumeu Auckland, NZ

The Mate’s Vineyard is usually the most reserved and unyielding when young and this is even more so with the 2015 vintage. The nose is very closed, just giving hints of the golden queen peach and mineral notes that we expect from Mate’s Vineyard. On the palate however, the flavour is very concentrated and distinctly rich, but maintaining a perfect balance and freshness that sets this wine apart and makes it wonderful. This is a wine of immense concentration that will be very long lived.

96 pts – Bob Campbell (MW)

‘A rather more refined and tighter style than usual, with a hint of struck match adding complexity to citrus, green apple, white peach, spicy oak and nutty brioche flavours. Bone-dry and moderately austere chardonnay, with plenty of development potential.’