2021 Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard Auckland New Zealand Chardonnay

VIN97 the 2021 Chardonnay Mate’s vineyard offers greater tension and sapidity compared with how the more relaxed 2020 did upon release. It will need time in the bottle to shake off the rawness of youth. It is focused, concentrated and precise. There’s a sophisticated use of oak, which integrates seamlessly within the package. I got a cold the day after this was first open, and almost a week later when my senses returned, it remained impeccable, focused and compact.

Estate Notes: The 2021 vintage for Maté’s Vineyard continues the amazing run of vintages we have had with this vineyard. The resulting wine shows the density, concentration and length that we expect from a terrific Maté’s Vineyard vintage. Although still somewhat shy on the nose, with bottle age the full palette of complex aromas and bouquet of this wonderful wine will be gradually and seductively revealed..