This wine is produced from a vineyard owned by Tim and Angela Coddington, whose grapes have contributed to the blend of Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay since 1998. It is a vineyard that produces very rich and unctuous Chardonnay that we have long believed could make an excellent single vineyard wine. It was decided to give Coddington single vineyard status in 2006 to reflect this vineyard’s unique character.
Usually the most flamboyant wine when young, the 2018 Coddington has the typical ripe peach and rich nature on the nose. The palate is beautifully forward with a supple approachability that is common with the 2018 Chardonnays. The wine has density, concentration and luscious creaminess we expect from Coddington and while this makes the wine easy to drink at this early stage no doubt it will take on lovely bottle age as it has done with previous vintages.
An impressive bouquet and palate with complex touching on beguiling bouquet with aromas of cashew and smoke, white peach, apple and apricot then mineral salts and calm even layers of oak begin to layer through. On the palate - a mirror image of the nose with a silky textured mouth feel, contrasting acidity, delicate creaminess and soft nutty cashew cream layer. Long finish with a whisper of white smoke. Fabulous wine, an excellent opportunity to stock the cellar with a Chardonnay example that will last for ten years, if not longer.