Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2021

"Following an outstanding 2020 vintage, the '21s are, remarkably, even better. Coddington is the richest in the Kumeu Chard stable. Concentrated notes of honeyed peach, pineapple rind and buttered toast pulse with drive and force. The richness comes from fruit ripeness—the oak is present but in a supporting role—with a mouthwatering acidity. It's shapely, long and elegant, and gives Meursault Premier Cru a serious run for its money." —Wine Enthusiast

"Jazz hands at the ready, the Kumeu River Chardonnay Coddington is always ready to welcome you in with its full, svelte figure and no hard edges, and the 2021 is no different. However, this year there's an additional touch of purpose that keeps it fresh and full of intention. Good depth and weight here, perhaps due to the lower crop after frost made for small yields. There's a sense of feel, a sense of wanting to chew on the finish. Savory characters, festive spices and nutty notes, likely derived from its 25% new oak and time on lees in barrel, join the restrained white stone fruit." —Vinous