2014 Kumeu River, Estate Chardonnay, Kumeu, New Zealand

A contender for best value, hand harvested, Chardonnay from a country that has many. The Estate Chardonnay is crafted from selected parcels of up to 6 vineyard sites.  The 2014 is refined and focused with an underlying richness which is reminiscent of fine Burgundy.  The nose offers floral hints alongside the pear and white stone fruit – expressive and generous but not in the ripe, slightly exotic style that we often associate with New World Chardonnay.  Beautifully pitched, exceptional New Zealand Chardonnay. Drink 2016 – 2019.
Martyn Rolph, Private Account Manager

Established in 1944, Kumeu River Wines is still owned and operated by the Brajkovich Family.  Michael Brajkovich is producing some of the best New Zealand Chardonnays currently available, wines that get their inspiration from white Burgundy and in particular the likes of Puligny Montrachet & Chassagne Montrachet, especially in terms of reserve and minerality. 

There is a rather tired tendency amongst the trade to compare New world with Old world wines but genuinely the Kumeu wines are comparable.  This comparison in no way takes away any of the new Zealand-ness of these wines, it is just meant to emphasise the extreme quality one can find here at a fraction of the price one would spend for the same quality in the Northern hemisphere.

These terroir driven wines compete with the best the New World has to offer like Giaconda, Penfold’s Yattarna but with a price attractive to many. The current vintage of 2014 is once again an exemplary vintage in a string of superb offerings from this estate.  For any white wine lover, these Chardonnays are a must have.