Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2019 (375ml)

Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, September 2020 (16.5+)

From the Coddingtons’ vineyard. Hand-harvested, whole-bunch pressed, indigenous-yeast fermentation, 100% barrel fermentation, 100% malolactic conversion. 11 months’ maturation in barrel.

Quite broad on the nose and more obviously fruity (rather than savoury) than the Estate Chardonnay 2019, though it will obviously take on more subtlety with time. Pretty impressive finish to the palate, on which mandarin and passion-fruit flavours reverberate. 14% Drink 2020 – 2027

Rebecca Gibb MW, vinous.com, November 2020 (93 pts)

This Chardonnay is expansive, filling the mouth with its subtle flavors yet retaining a sense of lightness. Its girth is wrapped in a firm belt of acidity that holds everything into a streamlined whole. Chardonnay is a non-aromatic variety and the fine aromas of nectarine and oatmeal combine with a barrel-derived smoky note on the drawn-out finish.

Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

With a savory, struck match undercurrent, Coddington Chardonnay has a core of lemons, fresh grapefruit and yuzu with a touch of pineapple. Medium bodied and still quite tightly wound at this youthful stage, it gives and refreshing acid backbone throughout the long finish. It should age beautifully over the next 6-8 years+.