KUMEU RIVER ESTATE CHARDONNAY 2023
| Grape: | Chardonnay |
| Vineyard: |
Kumeu River |
| Origin: | Auckland, New Zealand |
| ABV%: | 12.5% |
| Colour: | Yellow |
| Aromas: | Lemon and white peach |
| Flavours: | Well balanced with citrus and white peach notes |
Winemaker's Highlights
Kumeu River Chardonnay is drawn from six different vineyard sites in the Kumeu Region. They are particularly careful in selecting only the very best grapes from these vineyards for the Kumeu River Estate label.
Careful selection in 2023 was crucial in maintaining the quality and high standard of the Estate Chardonnay that they have set themselves for over 35 years. Due to the lighter vintage the alcohol is a moderate 12.5% and no new oak was used in the vinification of this wine. There was a high proportion of 1 & 2 year old barrels and this has provided a beautiful balance to the Chardonnay which is a little more citrus in 2023 rather than peachy. The wine begins with a fragrant lemon aroma with hint of white peach. The palate silky and balanced with a lovely citrus finish. Delicious now but, as always, benefits from bottle age of 4-6 years.
Reviews
Jancis Robinson - 16.5+/20
"A blend of six different sites in Kumeu on clay with 60% owned by the Brajkoviches but all farmed by Milan B. All dry-farmed. Lots of different clones: 15, 6, 95, 548 and 1066. Hand-harvested. Whole-bunch pressed. Spontaneous fermentation in used French oak barrels (usually 20% new but not for this lighter vintage). 100% malo. 11 months’ maturation in barrel. Distinctly lemon nose and mouth-filling. Good substance on the palate and definition. Great drink for the near term! Quite a step up from the Village. Athletic. I asked about ageability and was assured by Paul Brajkovich that the 2019 is looking very good now. Neat finish. JR"