There is no denying that Kumeu River is one of the world's best Chardonnay producers and we view them as the New World answer to Puligny-Montrachet. In fact, most wine critics find it impossible to tell difference when tasting blind.
Neal Martin of Vinous stated that Kumeu River is "amongst the very best Chardonnay producers in the world... Their Chardonnays were put to the test a few years ago when several were assessed blind, intermixed with some very serious Puligny-Montrachets and Meursaults. Kumeu River triumphed to such an extent that it became almost embarrassing.... Factor in the prices that frankly make a mockery of much of White Burgundy and Napa and you are left scratching your head as to why Kumeu River is not uttered in the same breath as Leflaive, Ramonet or Marcassin." Jancis Robinson MW concurs, declaring that "Kumeu River is a truly great producer of fine, ageworthy Chardonnay at more than fair prices".
The highly-anticipated 2019 vintage has just arrived, which winemaker Michael Brajkovich MW called "an exceptional vintage of unsurpassed quality"... high praise indeed. In addition, we have also managed to secure a few cases of 2016 and 2017s, which are drinking wonderfully now with several years' bottle age. So if you're a Chardonnay lover, then Kumeu River more than deserves a place in your cellar!
Village Chardonnay 2016
A great introduction to the Chardonnay range thanks to the combination of fermentation of 45% in old French oak barriques, and 55% in stainless steel tanks. The result is very little oak influence, allowing the vibrant fruit to show through beautifully and fuses with a flinty, mineral edginess that provides focus and direction.
"Charming nose of peach and apricot with subtle vanillin undertones. Rich, round and ample on the palate with a lovely mouthfeel that leads into further white stone fruit and hints of hazelnut on the fine, long finish. Another excellent Chardonnay."
Estate Chardonnay 2019
A selection of the best grapes from 'six different vineyards in the Kumeu region'. Fantastic, pure fruit flavours that are balanced by crisp acidity and well-rounded texture.
"The real steal is the 2019 Estate Chardonnay. It is absolutely glorious... Some super-delicate oak on the nose (or do I just mean a hint of savoury Côte d'Or perfume?!). So pure on the nose yet with great grip on the palate and already accessible in a grapefruit sort of way. With this intensity of fruit, it will clearly evolve into something even more convincing but you could certainly enjoy it now. It has both weight and a crystalline quality." 16.5+/20 points. Jancis Robinson MW
Ray's Road Chardonnay 2019
Ray's Road is Kumeu River’s newest vineyard in Hawkes Bay where the combination of limestone soils, northerly exposure and high altitude produce a zesty, fragrant and mineral-driven wine. Only the second vintage of this new bottling.
"Smells just a little rawer than the Kumeu single-vineyard Chardonnays I have just been tasting. Perhaps it was mean of me to taste it after them. I will go back and compare to the Estate 2019 bottling (suaver but probably less long-lived). Good grip and undertow. This site has a lot to say for itself but is just summoning up the courage. I love the eloquent, reverberant finish. The lime-fruited nose and front palate need a bit of time, I think, to shed their apparently simplicity." 16.5+/20 points. Jancis Robinson MW.
Coddington Vineyard Chardonnay 2019
The Coddington Vineyard is known for the ripe and unctuous wine it produces for the Kumeu River blend - so much so that since 1996, it was given a single-vineyard status to reflect its importance and unique characteristics.
"Quite broad on the nose and more obviously fruity (rather than savoury) than the Estate Chardonnay 2019, though it will obviously take on more subtlety with time. Pretty impressive finish to the palate, on which mandarin and passion-fruit flavours reverberate." 16.5+/20 points. Jancis Robinson MW
Hunting Hill Vineyard Chardonnay 2017 | £38.99 per bottle
First planted in 1982, and found on a slope overlooking Maté's Vineyard. Hunting Hill Vineyard has always been an integral part of the blend used for the estate Chardonnay. However, when produced as a single-vineyard expression shows off its ability to make full, richly-fruited wine with a lean, mineral intensity.
"There’s a touch more gunflint on the nose here. The acidity seems a bit more pronounced and the palate a little tighter and more focused than Coddington – it’s delicious. So zesty and zingy and refreshing and supported by a nice tight hazelnut twang. Will age well and is a hugely appealing style." 17/20 points. Alistair Cooper MW (jancisrobinson.com)
Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay 2019
This vineyard was replanted by Maté Brajkovich in 1990, and a single-vineyard flagship wine has been released in his honour since 1994. Highly rated, and full of Burgundian power and class that often beats its French Grand Cru counterparts in blind tastings!
"Fuller than the Hunting Hill but with much more framework and tension than the Coddington. Already so pleasing! With that extra breadth plus undertow. Fantastic length. Creamy texture. One for hedonists – by which I don't mean it's at all sweet. But it's richer than the Hunting Hill yet still has that New Zealand purity of fruit. Who could resist this? New Zealand Chardonnay at its finest." 17.5/20 points. Jancis Robinson MW.
For all current stock of Kumeu River wines, check out our website.
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