Kumeu River Chardonnay’s

Kumeu River makes great Chardonnay. It’s an undisputable fact. Since the early 80’s this compact family owned and run winery has wowed Chardonnay lovers from New York to New Zealand with its classy rich concentrated Burgundian style whites.

Not only does winemaker Michael Brajkovich produce exceptional wines, he produces them from fruit grown locally, in a region long ago abandoned by most winegrowers. The Brajkovich family have continued to work and develop this land originally purchased back in 1944.

There are no other wines of this quality and status grown in this region of Auckland and it is a tribute to the family commitment to this patch of land in both viticulture and winemaking skills that the Kumeu River Chardonnay’s continue to command respect both here and abroad.

The latest releases are from the 2008 vintage which has provided beautifully ripe fruit. There are four Chardonnay’s produced under the Kumeu River label. The Kumeu River Estate is a blend of a number of vineyards; there are also three single vineyard wines, Mate’s, Hunting Hill and Coddington. www.kumeuriver.co.nz

Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2008

Flint and mineral aroma’s crisp and dry with hints of peach and citrus, caramel, butterscotch and toasted nuts flesh out the middle palate, the most forward of the group and drinking beautifully right now, about $36 in NZ but its available widely on special around $29.

Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2008

Fresh crisp citrus fruit flavours concentrated and ripe, still youthful and has some development to come, smoky oak and long dry finish lingers for ages on the palate, markedly different style from the other wines, about $43 in NZ.

Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2008

Nutty toasty aroma’s big luscious bold fruit flavours seamlessly integrated with toasty oak, a full bodied bold style that is gorgeous now but has plenty of development ahead, about $43 in NZ.

Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay 2008

The undoubted star of the show, toasted hazelnuts, spice and rich concentrated fruit flavours suggesting grapefruit and peach. A delicious combination of ripe fruit and spicy oak gives the wine a texture and palate weight that lingers long after swallowing; powerful wine that will reward cellaring 4-5 years, about $50 in NZ.