Kumeu River 'Mates' Chardonnay 2025

Oldest vines from the estate and first vintage 1993, planted to Mendoza clones. A glaze of fruit and texture with hints of red apple mixed with lemon curd gently covering the palate. The wine is relaxed and sure of itself, quietly brimming with confidence and calm. Exceptionally balanced. Mitch Milicich, FWC

Almond meal, salted cinnamon-laced pastry dough, white peach and lime, cut fennel and white flowers, just a feathering of stuck match, but less than many vintages. It’s smooth and mealy, a honey gloss and nuttiness to the wine, acidity has juiciness and vigour, but it’s calm and well-settled, lime and peach carries on a saline finish of excellent length. A wine of richness and composure with a flinty exit. It’s all just so. A beautiful thing.

96 pts, Gary Walsh, The Wine Advocate