2016 Kumeu River Maté`s Vineyard Chardonnay, Auckland

Planted in 1990, the Maté`s vineyard is the king of the Kumeu crop – the most concentrated, structured and splendid of all the Kumeu River Chardonnays. Classically this wine is reserved when young, and this is certainly the case in the 2016 vintage. The colour is bright lemon-green, nose being tightly woven, with hints of white peach and smoky minerality. The palate is more explosive, being wonderfully richly layered and mouthcoatingly textured; this is distinctly more powerful than the other 2016s from the estate, but maintains a perfect balance and freshness. The finish is mineral, spicy, refreshing and long-flavoured. This is a wine with immense concentration and vibrancy, that has superb potential (for drinking 2019-2026+).