Kumeu Cremant (Harvest 2015, bottled 2016, disgorged 2019), Kumeu River Non Vintage

The new vintage of Kumeu River's Cremant comes from the 2015 vintage, bottled in 2016 for secondary fermentation and ageing, it was disgorged in 2019 before further bottle ageing ahead of shipping. The blend is 60% Chardonnay and 40% Pinot Noir that is picked early for low alcohol and high acidity essential for great traditional method sparkling wine. The final bottling is under a special sparkling wine DIAM for consistency of ageing and avoidance of cork taint. Bright pale lemon in the glass. The nose is smoky with struck flint and sweet with amalfi lemon. Light brioche notes and white peach come through on the palate, structured with a vibrant mousse and fine bead of acidity throughout. There is a real preservation of fruit vibrancy but a bready depth of lees ageing coming through. The texture is chalky and dry, leaving a savoury, moreish finish. The refinement and quality in this wine improves with every vintage and this is no exception.