Winemaker Notes
2007 proved a little cooler than 2006, with harvest dates behind 2006 one week on average, and sugar levels that were not quite as high. Consequently, the acid levels are marginally higher, and the wines have a more mineral feel to them. Citrus and stonefruit flavors are in abundance, and the wines have great length and texture. Once again, Kumeu River had a very clean vintage without damage from botrytis. The grapes were hand harvested.
The vines in Maté's Vineyard are maturing nicely at 18 years, and this is Kumeu River's only vineyard still planted with the Mendoza clone. The vine age and the distinctiveness of the clone help give Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay its unique character. This vineyard has always displayed a lifted fruit aroma with distinct minerality, and the 2007 is arguably the finest expression Kumeu River has seen from this site. Take a look at the photo of the grapes from the 2007 harvest, and you see fruit close to perfection. This is certainly extended through to the finished wine, which at this stage is quite closed but undeniably complex and concentrated. It will evolve beautifully over the next six to eight years.
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2007 Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay is concentrated and true to its form. What I have learned from this great tasting at Kumeu River estate is that the vineyard character endures through all seasons. It is inimitable, raw, unbound, serious and intense. Here, the wine shows some caramel and wafer to close.
-
Wine Spectator
Bright and sleek, with zippy lime and grapefruit coursing through the pear and pineapple fruit, lingering on the expressive finish with finesse. Should benefit from cellaring. Drink now through 2015. 300 cases imported.
-
Vinous
The 2007 Chardonnay Maté's Vineyard is open, pure and full of richly textured Chardonnay. Its impressive yet balanced acidity will make your mouth water. This reflects the slightly cooler season, which led to fresh wines.
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.
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
Grape-growers in the local subregions of Clevedon, Matakana and Waiheke Island, focusing on vineyard techniques to maximize quality, are producing very fine Bordeaux Blends from local grapes. Auckland is also an industrial area where winemakers can produce quality wines based on sourced grapes from neighboring regions.