Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay 2020

Jancis Robinson
17/20 punten
From a limestone, north-facing, dry-farmed hillside at 180 m. Spontaneous fermentation. Aged in old French oak. Neat and well integrated, quite restrained. And already very accessible though with light, fine tannins and quite opulent fruit on the front palate. Sprightly. Lemon-pastille flavour. Very long. Beautifully made.

James Suckling
95/100 punten
This is a fuller style from Hawke’s Bay and quite different from the rest of the Kumeu range of chardonnays. Bold, ripe peaches dominate the nose and palate. The texture is impressively silky and smooth. Very fleshy and complete. Impressive.


Bob Campbell MW
95/100 punten
Gently aromatic chardonnay with butterscotch, grapefruit marmalade, peach and oyster-shell supported by fruity acidity. Impressive wine from a top vintage. Accessible now but with the potential to evolve further in the next few years.

Cameron Douglas MS
93/100 punten
Warm and richly scented bouquet. Has ripe fruit and freshness with slightly warmer fruits at the core, red apple and yellow peach, moments of quince and sweet meyer lemon, grapefruit and a hint of tropical fruit. The palate reflects the bouquet exactly, driven by the core of fruit then some quieter layers of lees and oak. Fresh and lively acid line, some very fine skin tannins and satin cream texture. Lovely balance and length. Drinking well now with warmth and generosity. Holds true to the KR style of purity and freshness, length and elegance. Best from 2022 through 2028+. Older barrel with some new barrel-ferment complexity.

Vinous
88/100 punten
In 2017, Kumeu River spread its wings to Hawke's Bay, purchasing Rays Road, a site on limestone at 180 meters in altitude. The 2020 Chardonnay Rays Road displays a fuller style, offering breadth and a smooth embrace. There are subtle aromatics – this is Chardonnay, after all – suggesting Golden Delicious apples meeting beeswax and shortbread, and modest concentration and length. The wine’s appeal is in its textural, mouth-coating finish.