Kumeu River Mates' Chardonnay

In 1990, Mate Brajkovich replanted Chardonnay on the original vineyard of Kumeu River that his family first purchased in 1944. The 2023 vintage was a lighter style than previous years, resulting in the restrictive use of oak with a high proportion being 1-2 year old barrels to give the wine a similar oak note to previous vintages. If cellared correctly, it will happily mature for up to a further ten years.

" Very steely and floral, with brightness and impressive aromas of honeysuckle, lemongrass and just a touch of cream. Medium- to full-bodied with layered and creamy phenolics that give a lovely, almost velvety texture to the wine, and then the end is so crisp and minerally." James Suckling, 97 Points