Winemaker Notes
This vintage sees the continuation of the "Matés" style of Chardonnay, originating from this defined superior vineyard site exhibiting its own nuances and shades of aroma and flavour. The wine was produced in French oak barrels to the same exacting standards as for all our Kumeu River wines, but the wood is subtle and never dominant. It is a very elegant, perfumed and restrained wine, with delicate yet distinct aromas of pears and citrus fruit. The mouth-filling texture and length of flavour mark it as a wine for long-term bottle maturation of four to six years.
Founded in 1944 by Mick Brajkovich, wife Katé and son Maté, Kumeu River was one of the early pioneers in Auckland, New Zealand, that helped to establish its reputation as a world-class wine region. Still family owned and run, Kumeu River continues to pioneer new frontiers: winemaker Michael Brajkovich became New Zealand’s first member of the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine, London, they have been testing and championing screw cap closures for close to 20 years and the winery has gone on to become the globally recognized benchmark for non-Burgundy produced Chardonnay. All Kumeu River wines are hand-harvested, whole bunch pressed and demonstrate exclusive use of indigenous yeast fermentation.
The Chardonnays of Kumeu River have gained a strong foothold within the international market, continuously and consistently receiving outstanding accolades. The winery is a globally recognized benchmark for age-worthy Chardonnay outside of Burgundy.