{"product_id":"0001-6011","title":"Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay 2024","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eChardonnay\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #000000;\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e75cl * 13.5% ABV * Auckland, New Zealand\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-start=\"169\" data-end=\"554\"\u003eKumeu River has long been regarded as a serious contender against white Burgundy, and the 2024 vintage truly shows why. Despite reduced yields - with 40% of crops lost during the springtime - the growing season that followed was warm and dry, allowing for slow, even ripening and excellent concentration in the low yield of fruit that remained. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1374\" data-start=\"696\"\u003eRays Road is the Brajkovich family’s limestone-rich site in Hawkes Bay, a north-facing slope that acts as a unique counterpoint to the clay-based vineyards around Kumeu itself. The 2024 Rays Road Chardonnay shows more weight and definition than in previous vintages, with a nose of ripe stone fruit, citrus zest and minerality. On the palate, there is good texture and depth, with juicy fruit, lively acidity and a distinctive salinity. Wild-yeast fermentation and eleven months in oak have added subtle layers of spice and complexity without overpowering the purity of fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1795\" data-start=\"1376\"\u003eCompared to the Estate Chardonnay, Rays Road shows more tension and focus, with an almost Chablis-like flintiness, but carries the same generosity and charm that have made Kumeu River’s wines so sought-after. Drink from 2026 to 2033.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003e'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.' \u003cstrong\u003e94-94 pts Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cem\u003eMid to deep greenish gold. Toasty and glamorous on the nose. They aim to make a Chablis style because it's all limestone so very lively and tense. I'd say the acidity isn't as pronounced as a typical Chablis. Real grip on the palate. Very long with lots of tension. \u003cstrong\u003e17 pts, Jancis Robinson\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56332543852918,"sku":"0001-6011","price":29.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0437\/0215\/7464\/files\/chardonnay-chardonnay-rays-road-kumeu-river-hawkes.png?v=1758623946","url":"https:\/\/www.tauruswines.co.uk\/products\/0001-6011","provider":"Taurus Wines","version":"1.0","type":"link"}