Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Fruit exclusively from the Martinelli Charles Ranch, two miles in from the Pacific, aged for 12 months in 25% new oak. Pale lemon color with aromas of stone fruits and blossom and spice. On the palate flavors of apple and pear with a touch of zesty lemon, crisp, with nitty vanilla notes. Nice mouthfeel, long finish, vivid acidity. — a day ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Presented double-blind. The wine pours a light straw color with medium viscosity and no signs of particles or gas. On the nose, the wine is developing with tart and ripe notes of apple, pear, underripe pineapple, lemon curd, nuts and minerals. I felt like there was some deft use of oak. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+, bordering on high acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and chocked full of minerals. My immediate impression was Bourgogne Blanc and I was having a hard time getting away from it. So I called Chardonnay, from France, Burgundy, Chassagne-Montrachet with 3-5 years of age. Gosh dammit! Margaret River strikes again!!! Blind, I always seem to call these Chablis or some other high quality white Burg. And I adore the Leeuwin Estate Art Series Chardonnays. They always impress me. Drink now through 2036. — 2 months ago

Stephanie Lunn

9.2

Dark garnet in color with red fruit on the nose. Tastes like sweet cherry, strawberry, and a hint of tea. Finishes very smooth. — 2 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2023 vintage. Their entry-level Chard juice not too shabby. Slightly fleshy. Hints of tropicalia without boarding that ship with three suitcases and/or a trunk. Ajax-strength acidity to clean up any spills. Teases many possibilities but afraid of committing to any specific one. Still...less than $30 USD resto cost on two cases. Sold. 02.26.25. — 14 days ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

See previous Delectable notes for this 2020 Estate. Amazing quality for the price. This is the basic Kumeu Estate Chardonnay before you consider the individual Cuvées like Mates, Coddington etc. peachy stone fruit intensity on the palate with enough acidity to keep it fresh. Should be an annual purchase. Have the last one later this year or early 2026. The Village is even less expensive at only $21.50 AUD. — 2 months ago

David T

Independent Sommelier/Wine Educator

9.3

Happy New Year! 🎉🎆🎈🎊 🧨

Excellent vintage. I think even better for Pinot than Cabernet in some cases.

Baked blackberries, black raspberries, raspberries, black plum, baked, dark cherries, notes of blueberries, dry cranberries/rhubarb, maple syrup, limestone minerals, dry crushed rocks, dry, grilled meats, dry tobacco, wood shavings, anise, cinnamon stick, clove, nutmeg, dark spice, some black lichen, vanillin, warm caramel, sun tea, mid berry cola, dry twig, withering to decayed, dark, red, purple flowers, round acidity, well made, structured, balanced, elegant finish that lasts two-minutes and lands on dark spice, earthiness. — 2 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Deep Ruby color with aromas of black fruits, cedar and baking spice. On the palate flavors of ripe black cherry and raspberry with cola and sweet cinnamon spice notes. Full-bodied, fine tannins, long finish ending with fruit, oak and an earthy mineral character. Nice! — 17 days ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.4

Pale yellow with pleasing aromas of citrus and tropical fruits, adding in spice and some biscuit notes. On the palate complex palate of flavors, fresh fruit, pineapple, lemon, grapefruit, peaches and Asian pears. Slight earthiness with a smooth and creamy well balanced finish ending with a gentle yeasty character. Very nice! Consistent quality! Will age well! — a month ago

Andrea Watt

9.5

I love this wine. Crisp citrus and oak with round pear and vanilla. Holds up well to food but enjoyable on its own. — 2 months ago

Jess Ica Orona

9.1

Baking spices out the gate. Cinnamon. Sour cherry jam. Fresh rain soaked soil in the back. Maybe I should have decanted it but I’m getting a fair bit of heat. Granted after pregnancy and newfound mom life I’m very out of practice. Maybe some strawberry jam. On the palate we have a medium light body juicy, bright red fruit and spice at the end. Slightly sticky tannins. Nice way to celebrate the holidays. An affordable splurge to pair with a cheese board or a lean cut of beef like a fillet. Beef Wellington would be perfect. I festive pork roast would also go well. — 2 months ago