Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay, Kumeu River 2019

A vivid lemon yellow in the glass, the nose is immediately powerful on the Mate's Vineyard 2019. Full of juicy peaches, heather honey and struck flint, this is smoky and enticing. The palate shows superb concentration, with glossy and ripe stone fruits at the core. The viscosity and richness is cut by vibrant acidity before being rebuilt with toasted spices and more of that struck flint character. Generous and rounded, this creamy and ripe wine still finds savoury edges with lees and oak, and there is a richness of texture that adds further depth. Mouthcoating fruit and spice complete this spectacular wine on an unerring finish. This should drink well in 12-18 months, but will be best after 5 years and will comfortably age for a decade or more. Outstanding.

Made in just the same way as all the Kumeu River single-vineyard Kumeu 2019 Chardonnays.
Fuller than the Hunting Hill but with much more framework and tension than the Coddington. Already so pleasing! With that extra breadth plus undertow. Fantastic length. Creamy texture. One for hedonists – by which I don't mean it's at all sweet. But it's richer than the Hunting Hill yet still has that New Zealand purity of fruit. Who could resist this? New Zealand Chardonnay at its finest. Perhaps slightly less burgundian than the Hunting Hill. 14%
Drink 2020 – 2032

Tightly coiled, this focused and athletic Chardonnay needs to be put away in a cool, dark cellar in the medium term to allow it to unwind. A little shy on the nose, presenting melon, beeswax and subtle oak-derived nutty characters, it has an excellent core of concentration. There is a fine, silken texture on the focused and layered midpalate. Produced from the Mendoza clone, which is prone to hens and chicks. Invigorating acidity provides momentum on the lengthy finish.