Coddington Chardonnay, Kumeu River 2024

A complex and whole chardonnay with sliced apples, flint. limes and stones on the nose and palate. It’s medium-bodied with a solid core of fruit and a long and complete aftertaste. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

The 2024 Coddington Chardonnay is alive on the palate with preserved lemon rind, tendrils of crushed shells and layers of brine. It is electric, in its way. There are salted and crushed nuts on the middle palate and length, which uncoils through the finish that allows a second and third look at the detail inherent within. This is very exciting and also creamy. It was tasted as a tank sample prior to filtration and bottling.

The most welcoming of the Kumeu single-vineyard wines in youth, the 2024 Chardonnay Coddington offers richness and fullness. There's substance here, lending texture and gourmand chew as well as creaminess through the mid-palate. Nougat and pear combine, but the fruit remains restrained in this well-concentrated style. Acidity keeps on giving and helps provide tension alongside notable phenolics. As always, there's a lovely, subtle smoky spice from the Gilet oak barrels.