2021 Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay

Barrel fermented with 100% malolactic fermentation and 11 months maturation in older French oak. Brilliant pale straw colour with a glimmer of green around the edges and a watery hue. Drifting from the glass are elevated scents of white peach, nectarine and dried honey followed by some gun flint and hints of crème brulee. Fleshy white peach, nectarine and dried honey flavours carry good richness, volume and freshness with some spicy nougat and flint characters lying underneath. Excellent length with a long, elegant finish that shows some mineral zest.
Drink over the next 4-5 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews….
I had a bottle of the 2020 Rays Road at a restaurant the other week, and thought, ‘This is a new one for me’, and really enjoyed it. At the time I recall thinking it was a little richer and more opulent than the usual Kumeu style, and now I realise it’s from Hawkes Bay!
Nectarine, nougat, a little cinnamon and freshly cut fennel. It’s smooth and flavoursome, oatmeal and almond, juicy grapefruit acidity, a lightly chalky texture, and fruity but tight finish of excellent length. Delightful. Drink 2022-2029.
94 points
Gary Walsh – The Wine Front

Mangoes, lemon curd, baked apples, hazelnuts, custard and some salted caramel. Ripe and creamy with a full body. Tropical fruit and buttery layers balanced by bright acidity. Drink now. Screw cap.
93 points
JamesSuckling.com