Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay Hawkes Bay – 2024

Rays Road is Kumeu River’s newest vineyard site in Hawkes Bay, planted on a limestone hillside at 180 m altitude, with a northerly aspect. This Chardonnay was dry-farmed (ie no irrigation), hand-harvested, whole bunch pressed and fermented with wild yeast in older French oak barrels to give a wine that is zesty and fragrant, with mineral complexity that is very true to its site.

“The 2024 Rays Road Chardonnay leads with a spicy, almost exotic nose, while the palate strides in smooth, sleek movements. This is creamy and a little nutty, and there are wet limestone notes in the mouth, alongside yellow citrus and layers of dried herbs, cracked fennel seeds, ginger root and fruit flavors. A lovely wine, it’s weighted on the back palate and long through the finish.” 92-94/100 The Wine Advocate