Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2020

Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2020

 

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Kumeu River
Coddington Chardonnay 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : New Zealand
  • Region : Auckland
  • Subregion
  • Type : White
  • Style : Medium Bodied Aromatic Dry
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Chardonnay

Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay is a standout expression of New Zealand Chardonnay, offering richness and elegance with its vibrant fruit character and well-integrated oak. It represents the epitome of single-vineyard winemaking from Kumeu River’s celebrated Coddington Vineyard.

Experts Score Vintage
JS James Suckling 97 2020
WE Wine Enthusiast 96 2020
RP Robert Parker 95 2020
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 93 2020
BC Bob Campbell MW 95 2019
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Kumeu River winery is located in the Kumeu region near Auckland, New Zealand. The Kumeu region enjoys a maritime climate, which provides a temperate and relatively humid environment, ideal for Chardonnay. The nearby Tasman Sea moderates temperatures, preventing extremes and promoting a long growing season that preserves acidity while allowing full fruit ripeness.

The Coddington Vineyard is a small, 1.8-hectare (4.4-acre) site, planted in 1994 and known for its clay soils, which contribute to the wine's rich texture. The vineyard's north-facing exposure at an elevation of 100 meters helps capture optimal sunlight, enhancing ripeness and richness in the fruit. The Coddington Vineyard has been singled out for its distinct character since 2006 and consistently produces Chardonnay with deep stone fruit flavors and a notable creamy texture.

Winemaking

This vintage of Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay is made from 100% Chardonnay grapes. The grapes are hand-harvested and subjected to whole-bunch pressing to retain freshness and delicacy. The juice undergoes indigenous yeast fermentation in French oak barrels, with 25% of the barrels being new. A 100% malolactic fermentation adds creaminess to the texture, balancing the wine's natural acidity.

The wine is then matured for 11 months in French oak before bottling, which integrates oak influence while preserving the purity of the fruit.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: A medium straw hue with hints of gold.
  • Aroma: The nose opens with intense notes of ripe yellow peachapricot, and hints of citrus zest, layered with more complex aromas of toasted oakvanilla, and caramelized hazelnuts.
  • Palate: On the palate, the wine is full-bodied, offering luscious flavors of stone fruit (particularly peach and apricot), complemented by a creamy texture. The oak influence is well-integrated, providing notes of toasted almond and spice, while the fresh acidity lifts the richness, leading to a long, balanced finish.

Did you know?

Coddington Vineyard was first planted in 1994, and its grapes were originally used in the Kumeu River Estate blend. Recognizing the vineyard’s exceptional quality, Kumeu River decided in 2006 to give Coddington its own single-vineyard label. The wine is considered the most "unctuous" of the Kumeu River Chardonnays due to the site's distinctive ability to produce highly concentrated and ripe fruit.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Roast chicken with garlic and thyme: The wine’s rich texture complements the savory, herby flavors of roast chicken, while the acidity cuts through the fat.
  • Grilled lobster with butter sauce: The Chardonnay’s creamy palate and ripe fruit notes pair beautifully with the sweetness of lobster and the richness of butter.
  • Pasta with a cream-based sauce: The full-bodied texture and toasted oak flavors will enhance creamy pasta dishes such as fettuccine Alfredo.
  • Mushroom risotto: The earthy flavors of mushrooms and the wine’s nutty oak nuances create a harmonious pairing, especially with the creamy risotto texture.

History of Kumeu River Estate

Kumeu River was founded in 1944 when Mick and Kate Brajkovich, along with their son Maté and daughters, moved to Kumeu from their native Croatia. They established what was then called San Marino Vineyards, producing bulk wines for the local market. After Mick’s passing in 1949, Maté and his wife Melba took over the management of the estate, focusing on growing the winery and improving wine quality. Over the years, Maté became a pivotal figure in the development of New Zealand’s wine industry, playing an instrumental role in founding the New Zealand Wine Institute and serving as its chairman from 1982 to 1985.

By the 1980s, the family made a strategic decision to move away from bulk wine production, instead focusing on high-quality table wines. They planted Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Merlot in the newly developed vineyards around Kumeu. In 1986, the winery was renamed Kumeu River Wines to reflect its new identity and commitment to excellence. The estate’s shift to Chardonnay marked the beginning of its international success, with the wines being consistently compared to fine white Burgundies. Maté passed away in 1992, but the winery remains in the hands of the Brajkovich family, with his children Michael, Milan, Paul, and Marijana taking key roles in running the estate.

Maté's contributions to the industry were recognized when he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1985 for his services to the wine industry and community. His legacy lives on through the wines that bear his name, such as the prestigious Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay​.

Region and Vineyards

Kumeu River Wines is located in the Kumeu region, about 20 kilometers northwest of Auckland. Despite being situated well north of New Zealand’s primary wine regions, such as Marlborough or Central Otago, Kumeu benefits from a cool maritime climate. The winery’s close proximity to both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean helps moderate temperatures, creating ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay. The climate remains cool, with peak summer temperatures rarely exceeding 30°C, allowing for slow, even ripening of the grapes, which enhances the natural acidity and flavor concentration of the wines.

The estate’s 30 hectares of vineyards are planted primarily on clay loam soils, which sit on a base of sandstone. These soils are particularly adept at retaining water, reducing the need for irrigation even during the dry summer months. This water retention is critical for producing high-quality grapes with intense flavors and structure. The vines are trained on a Lyre trellis system, which ensures maximum exposure to sunlight and helps increase grape maturity. This approach contributes to the rich, concentrated flavors found in Kumeu River wines​​.

Kumeu River’s vineyards are also hand-harvested, a process that, while time-consuming, ensures only the best grapes are selected. This manual approach, coupled with sustainable farming practices, reflects the estate's deep commitment to quality and environmental stewardship​.

Wine Range

Kumeu River’s global reputation is built on its outstanding range of Chardonnays, which are often considered some of the finest outside of Burgundy. The estate produces several single-vineyard Chardonnays, each showcasing the unique characteristics of its vineyard site.

  • Maté’s Vineyard Chardonnay: Named after Maté Brajkovich, this is the estate’s flagship wine, offering incredible depth, minerality, and aging potential. The vineyard, planted in 1990, sits on a north-facing slope and consistently produces concentrated, complex wines.

  • Hunting Hill Chardonnay: Planted in 2000, this vineyard is known for its distinctive citrus and mineral notes, producing a wine that balances richness with vibrant acidity.

  • Coddington Chardonnay: Located on clay soils, this vineyard yields the most opulent and fruit-driven Chardonnay in the Kumeu River portfolio, with lush stone fruit flavors and a creamy texture.

Beyond Chardonnay, Kumeu River also produces Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, but Chardonnay remains the focus and pride of the estate. The Chardonnays undergo barrel fermentation in French oak, with a mix of new and old barrels, to enhance complexity and add subtle oak influence. Only indigenous yeasts are used during fermentation, further contributing to the wine’s unique texture and depth​​.

Winemaking Philosophy

Kumeu River’s winemaking is marked by a blend of traditional techniques and modern innovations. Barrel fermentation in French oak barrels, with both new and old oak, adds layers of complexity and enhances the wines' textures. All wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts, which helps express the unique terroir of each vineyard. This approach, along with techniques like whole-bunch pressing, contributes to the signature richness and complexity of Kumeu River’s Chardonnays. The winery is heavily influenced by the family’s experiences in Burgundy, where Michael Brajkovich trained​.

Did you know?

Michael Brajkovich, the eldest son of Maté, became New Zealand’s first Master of Wine (MW) in 1989. His extensive training in Bordeaux and Burgundy heavily influenced the estate’s winemaking philosophy, particularly in the crafting of Chardonnay. Under Michael’s leadership, Kumeu River’s wines have achieved international recognition, and their Chardonnays are often regarded as some of the best examples from the New World​.

James Suckling (JS) : 97 Points (2020)
This is a wine of real purity and elegance with fresh sliced peaches and lemons, as well as some light pastry notes. The palate is fine, unwaveringly long and pure with enlivening acidity through the finish. Stunning. Drink or hold

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 96 Points (2020)
New Zealand's Chardonnay expert has knocked it out of the park with its stellar 2020 vintage. Coddington shows intensely concentrated peach and apricot fruit accompanied by toast and vanilla with a mineral backbone. It's the richest in the stable, but is beautifully balanced with integrated oak, length and layers. An elegant and ageworthy wine that's a bargain compared with the price of Premier Cru Burgundy of similar ilk.

Robert Parker (RP) : 95 Points (2020)
The 2022 Coddington Chardonnay leads with lemon balm/oil, green-olive brine, crème brûlée top (a.k.a. scorched brown sugar), peach fuzz, and an abundance of orchard fruit. In the mouth, kiwi fruit acidity (a.k.a. juicy, sweet, tart) defines the perimeters of the flavors and beckons you in for another, closer look. It's very, very good, a distinct wine, pure, all aspects delineated and deliberate. I like this. It feels orderly and mathematical. If the wine had a sound, it would be a straight-pace bowl at the wickets, one flying out of stumps (name a better sound, I'll wait). It's not that immediately obvious, though; it builds and takes a while to assert itself, and I like that too. Very good.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 93 Points (2020)
Another typically weighty expression from Kumeu's Coddington vineyard, the 2020 Chardonnay Coddington fills the midpalate with its density and breadth. It is a wine of clarity, the oak-derived smoky, nutty notes providing a savory layer over nectarine and lemon meringue. However, this is not a wine that needs multiple flavor descriptors; it's a wine of texture. Expect the smooth, mellow mouthfeel to be followed up with lovely precision and sinew on the lengthy, smoky finish.

Bob Campbell MW (BC) : 95 Points (2019)
Gently aromatic and quite concentrated chardonnay with peach, melon, citrus and a hint of oyster-shell and mineral character supported by deliciously fruity acidity that helps drive a lengthy finish. There is also a toast, brioche influence adding extra complexity

Kumeu River Chardonnay Mate
Kumeu River Chardonnay Mate's Vineyard 2021
Kumeu River
Chardonnay Mate's Vineyard 2021
JS
99
VN
97
BC
95
The Kumeu River Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay is a powerful, complex, single-vineyard wine that reflects the exceptional quality of the Maté’s Vineyard site. Known for its density and concentration, this Chardonnay promises both immediate enjoyment and remarkable aging potential.
70,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Kumeu River Chardonnay Estate 2021
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BC
92
JS
94
WE
95
The Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay showcases the winery’s commitment to excellence, combining the freshness of citrus with a dense, textured palate that promises to evolve beautifully with age.
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Kumeu River Ray
Kumeu River Ray's Road Chardonnay 2020
Kumeu River
Ray's Road Chardonnay 2020
RP
94
BC
95
JS
93
The Kumeu River Ray's Road Chardonnay is a fresh, zesty Chardonnay with a mineral backbone, reflecting the unique limestone terroir of the Ray's Road Vineyard in Hawke's Bay. Known for its vibrant acidity and lively minerality, this wine adds elegance to the Kumeu River range.
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Kumeu River Chardonnay Hunting Hill 2020
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WS
94
RP
96
VN
95
The Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay is an elegant and complex wine, showcasing the distinct terroir of the Hunting Hill Vineyard. Known for its powerful lemon-lime aromatics and mineral-driven finish, this wine exemplifies the potential of great Chardonnay from New Zealand.
61,90 €
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