2021 Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay

18/20 points - Matthew Jukes

The winter of 2020 was relatively mild and dry. Spring came early again, abut this time there were frosts to contend with in late September, one in particular causing damage to many of Kumeu vineyards. Similarly at the Rays Road vineyard in Hawkes Bay there were frost events, but the wind machine that were installed recently did the job and damage was minimal. Flowering took place well ahead of normal, and it was obvious to the wine makers that the season would be very early in 2021. History will see 2021 sitting very nicely in the trio of outstanding vintages: ‘19, ‘20 and ’21.

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.

The Coddington 2021 vintage is richly ripe in the yellow peach and apricot spectrum, with a background of toasted oak and caramelised hazelnut. It is the biggest style in our range, and satisfyingly rich as such, but also nicely balanced with its acidity.