Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2021

Having originally gone into blends, Kumeu believed the fruit from this site could make a great single-vineyard Chardonnay - they're certainly not wrong.

Whole bunches are pressed and fermented in oak, with full malolactic fermentation followed by 11 months in barrels. The fruit is pristine and this shows in its purity and the fact it has great acid, even though the region is relatively warm.

Peach, blossom, citrus, almond, warm pastries, spice - it's all there, tantalising you and aided by such richness and ripeness, while remaining supremely balanced. A wine to drink while pondering the universe.