{"product_id":"2024-rays-road-chardonnay-kumeu-river","title":"2024 Rays Road Chardonnay, Kumeu River","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLimestone \u0026amp; Silk\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGenerous yet finely chiselled, the 2024 Rays Road brings a little extra richness to Kumeu River’s distinctive limestone-grown Chardonnay. Ripe peach, crisp pear and yellow citrus unfold around a flinty mineral core, with delicate hints of dried herbs, ginger and toasted nuts adding savoury intrigue. The oak sits quietly behind the fruit, lending a gentle biscuit warmth without overwhelming the vineyard’s bright, stony character.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe palate combines creamy texture with an invigorating freshness, its concentrated orchard fruit carried by brisk, apple-like acidity. There is lovely breadth through the middle, followed by a long, lightly saline finish that draws everything back into focus. This is Chardonnay with enough generosity to enjoy over dinner now, yet the structure and depth to reward patient cellaring. For lovers of white Burgundy, it offers a compelling meeting of texture, restraint and mineral detail.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor when: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDinner deserves a white with enough character to keep the conversation going.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePairs with: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePan-roasted halibut with beurre blanc, roast chicken with tarragon, seared scallops with cauliflower purée, crab linguine, wild mushroom risotto, or mature Comté.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRays Road reveals a different side of Kumeu River. Situated in Hawke’s Bay, away from the family’s home vineyards near Auckland, this north-facing limestone hillside rises to around 180 metres. Dry farming and an exposed position contribute to a wine whose freshness and mineral character give it a distinctive place within the collection.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe 2024 vintage was excellent at Rays Road, although yields were approximately half their usual level. The resulting wine has greater concentration and a more pronounced peach character than previous releases, while retaining its characteristic flinty freshness. It marks a particularly promising stage in the vineyard’s development, with the depth to benefit from time in bottle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wine Republic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56420836802945,"sku":null,"price":28.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0916\/0513\/9841\/files\/2023-Rays-Road-Chardonnay-Kumeu-River.png?v=1762286414","url":"https:\/\/www.wine-republic.co.uk\/products\/2024-rays-road-chardonnay-kumeu-river","provider":"Wine Republic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}