Higher toned than Kumeu River’s Auckland wines, with green apple, crisp pear and oyster shell. Barrel fermented in 2024, but only the tiniest touch of new oak and sweet biscuit on display. More open and opulent than previous vintages but still retains the hallmark chalky, biscotti characters. (JS)

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. I tasted this as a tank sample prior to filtration and bottling. The Ray's Road vineyard is on a limestone base and has been significantly worked and replanted since the Kumeu River purchase in 2021. (EL)