The 2023 Coddington Chardonnay is sleek and polished. The fruit is on the kiwi fruit, almond meal and white peach end of the spectrum, and the fruit is lean. Tightly coiled acidity is gently embossed into the fruit; it is neatly packaged and very tight. The wine builds as it opens, and while the first sip was difficult to get a reading on, the ensuing interactions are juicier and more saliva-inducing. The restraint is attractive, and the back-palate weighting of flavor similarly makes for charming drinking. 12.6% alcohol, sealed under screw cap. Erin Larkin, Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2023 Chardonnay Coddington provides its typical rounder shape and comforting suppleness despite being clearly lighter in concentration and richness than in recent years. At just 12.6% alcohol, it's bright and fresh, with a zestiness pervading its core. It's balanced (when isn't a Kumeu River?), but it's done in a lighter, zipper, citrus-driven style with no new oak. The lees contact is all important here in imbuing it with mid-palate texture. Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous

Region: Auckland, New Zealand

Grape Varietal: 100% Chardonnay

Critic Rating: Robert Parker Wine Advocate 94 Points, Vinous 89 Points

Suggested Drink Window: 2024 - 2033