Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2019

This is a punchy and chiseled Coddington with attractive peach and citrus-fruit aromas, as well as hazelnuts and white stones. The palate has a very focused, pure shape with a central spine of intense peach flavor, crisp phenolics and clenching acidity to close. Real drive here. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

From a low-yielding single vineyard, this white opens with smoke and flinty mineral notes weaving between concentrated yet fresh fruit. The palate is lighter than expected thanks to a line of crystalline acidity and a filigree texture. It has exceptional structure and neatly integrated oak that lets the layers of flavor shine. Drink now through 2028 at least.

A bit tighter and more linear than the Estate Chardonnay, the 2019 Coddington Chardonnay is still medium to full-bodied, but it leans more toward the pineapple-citrus side of the spectrum. Delicate hints of toasted nuts appear on the nose, while the palate offers pineapple, yellow plum and lime notes, particularly on the long, refreshing finish.