Kumeu River Chardonnay Estate 2021

Kumeu River Chardonnay Estate 2021

 

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Kumeu River
Chardonnay Estate 2021
  • Vintage : 2021
  • Country : New Zealand
  • Region : Auckland
  • Subregion :
  • Type : White
  • Style : Medium Bodied Aromatic Dry
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Chardonnay

The Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay showcases the winery’s commitment to excellence, combining the freshness of citrus with a dense, textured palate that promises to evolve beautifully with age.

Experts Score Vintage
WE Wine Enthusiast 95 2021
JS James Suckling 94 2021
BC Bob Campbell MW 92 2021
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 90 2021
RP Robert Parker 93 2019
WS Wine Spectator 92 2019
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay is produced from grapes grown in six different vineyard sites located in the Kumeu region, north of Auckland. This region is known for its cool, maritime climate, which provides ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay. The vineyards are planted on clay loam soils, which contribute to the wine’s structure and minerality. The vineyard sites, covering a total of 12 hectares (29.7 acres), are situated at an elevation of 45 meters, and are north-facing, allowing the vines to benefit from optimal sun exposure.

The vines used for this wine range in age from 6 to 32 years and consist of several Chardonnay clones (15, 6, 1066, 548, 121, and 134), which adds complexity and depth to the final blend. Sustainable cultivation practices are employed to ensure the health of the vines and the environment, while the training systems used, including Lyre and Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP), promote even ripening and balanced fruit development.

Winemaking

The Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay is made from 100% Chardonnay and is hand-harvested to ensure only the highest quality fruit is selected. After harvesting, the grapes are whole-bunch pressed, a gentle process that preserves the purity of the fruit. Fermentation occurs with indigenous yeast in French oak barrels, with 20% new oak, which imparts subtle oak influence without overpowering the wine’s fresh, citrus character.

The wine undergoes 100% barrel fermentation and 100% malolactic fermentation, which adds richness and a creamy texture to balance the vibrant acidity. The wine is then matured for 11 months in barrel, allowing the flavors to integrate and develop further complexity, resulting in a wine with remarkable depth and elegance.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: Pale gold with bright reflections.
  • Aroma: Fresh citrus aromas dominate, particularly notes of lemon and preserved lemon, complemented by subtle hints of oak and minerality.
  • Palate: The palate is concentrated and layered, offering flavors of citrus and stone fruit. The wine has a dense, textured mouthfeel with vibrant acidity and a long, complex finish. Its balance of richness and freshness makes it enjoyable now, while its structure promises excellent aging potential.

Did you know?

The 2021 vintage was significantly affected by spring frost in 2020, which reduced the yield by around 35%, but the lower yields resulted in a more concentrated wine. This vintage continues to uphold Kumeu River's reputation for producing world-class Chardonnays that can age gracefully for many years.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Grilled lobster with garlic butter: The wine’s rich texture and citrus flavors complement the sweetness of lobster and the richness of butter.
  • Roast chicken with herbs: The vibrant acidity and creamy mouthfeel balance the savory flavors of roast chicken, especially when seasoned with thyme and rosemary.
  • Pan-seared salmon: The fresh citrus notes and subtle oak of the wine enhance the richness of the salmon, while the acidity cuts through the oiliness of the fish.
  • Mushroom risotto: The creamy texture and complexity of the Chardonnay pair beautifully with the earthiness of a well-made mushroom risotto.

History of Kumeu River Estate

Kumeu River was founded in 1944 when Mick and Kate Brajkovich, along with their son Maté and daughters, moved to Kumeu from their native Croatia. They established what was then called San Marino Vineyards, producing bulk wines for the local market. After Mick’s passing in 1949, Maté and his wife Melba took over the management of the estate, focusing on growing the winery and improving wine quality. Over the years, Maté became a pivotal figure in the development of New Zealand’s wine industry, playing an instrumental role in founding the New Zealand Wine Institute and serving as its chairman from 1982 to 1985.

By the 1980s, the family made a strategic decision to move away from bulk wine production, instead focusing on high-quality table wines. They planted Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, and Merlot in the newly developed vineyards around Kumeu. In 1986, the winery was renamed Kumeu River Wines to reflect its new identity and commitment to excellence. The estate’s shift to Chardonnay marked the beginning of its international success, with the wines being consistently compared to fine white Burgundies. Maté passed away in 1992, but the winery remains in the hands of the Brajkovich family, with his children Michael, Milan, Paul, and Marijana taking key roles in running the estate.

Maté's contributions to the industry were recognized when he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1985 for his services to the wine industry and community. His legacy lives on through the wines that bear his name, such as the prestigious Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay​.

Region and Vineyards

Kumeu River Wines is located in the Kumeu region, about 20 kilometers northwest of Auckland. Despite being situated well north of New Zealand’s primary wine regions, such as Marlborough or Central Otago, Kumeu benefits from a cool maritime climate. The winery’s close proximity to both the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean helps moderate temperatures, creating ideal conditions for growing Chardonnay. The climate remains cool, with peak summer temperatures rarely exceeding 30°C, allowing for slow, even ripening of the grapes, which enhances the natural acidity and flavor concentration of the wines.

The estate’s 30 hectares of vineyards are planted primarily on clay loam soils, which sit on a base of sandstone. These soils are particularly adept at retaining water, reducing the need for irrigation even during the dry summer months. This water retention is critical for producing high-quality grapes with intense flavors and structure. The vines are trained on a Lyre trellis system, which ensures maximum exposure to sunlight and helps increase grape maturity. This approach contributes to the rich, concentrated flavors found in Kumeu River wines​​.

Kumeu River’s vineyards are also hand-harvested, a process that, while time-consuming, ensures only the best grapes are selected. This manual approach, coupled with sustainable farming practices, reflects the estate's deep commitment to quality and environmental stewardship​.

Wine Range

Kumeu River’s global reputation is built on its outstanding range of Chardonnays, which are often considered some of the finest outside of Burgundy. The estate produces several single-vineyard Chardonnays, each showcasing the unique characteristics of its vineyard site.

  • Maté’s Vineyard Chardonnay: Named after Maté Brajkovich, this is the estate’s flagship wine, offering incredible depth, minerality, and aging potential. The vineyard, planted in 1990, sits on a north-facing slope and consistently produces concentrated, complex wines.

  • Hunting Hill Chardonnay: Planted in 2000, this vineyard is known for its distinctive citrus and mineral notes, producing a wine that balances richness with vibrant acidity.

  • Coddington Chardonnay: Located on clay soils, this vineyard yields the most opulent and fruit-driven Chardonnay in the Kumeu River portfolio, with lush stone fruit flavors and a creamy texture.

Beyond Chardonnay, Kumeu River also produces Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, but Chardonnay remains the focus and pride of the estate. The Chardonnays undergo barrel fermentation in French oak, with a mix of new and old barrels, to enhance complexity and add subtle oak influence. Only indigenous yeasts are used during fermentation, further contributing to the wine’s unique texture and depth​​.

Winemaking Philosophy

Kumeu River’s winemaking is marked by a blend of traditional techniques and modern innovations. Barrel fermentation in French oak barrels, with both new and old oak, adds layers of complexity and enhances the wines' textures. All wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts, which helps express the unique terroir of each vineyard. This approach, along with techniques like whole-bunch pressing, contributes to the signature richness and complexity of Kumeu River’s Chardonnays. The winery is heavily influenced by the family’s experiences in Burgundy, where Michael Brajkovich trained​.

Did you know?

Michael Brajkovich, the eldest son of Maté, became New Zealand’s first Master of Wine (MW) in 1989. His extensive training in Bordeaux and Burgundy heavily influenced the estate’s winemaking philosophy, particularly in the crafting of Chardonnay. Under Michael’s leadership, Kumeu River’s wines have achieved international recognition, and their Chardonnays are often regarded as some of the best examples from the New World​.

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 95 Points (2021)
One of the best bargains around, from New Zealand’s leading Chardonnay producer, this is restrained, creamy and downright delicious. Vibrant aromas of lemon peel, melon, toast and flint lead to a supple, slinky, elegant palate of tingly citrus acidity and supportive oak. Ultra food-friendly, this could also cellar for eight to ten years. (5/2023)

James Suckling (JS) : 94 Points (2021)
Lemons, white apricots, white grapefruit, slate and sea shells. Elegant and mineral, with a medium body and creamy, textured and layered palate. Classy and fresh. (9/2022)

Bob Campbell MW (BC) : 92 Points (2021)
From selected vineyard sites in Kumeu. Moderately rich, weighty wine with grapefruit, nectarine, oyster shell, and green apple flavours supported by assertive acidity. Would benefit from a little bottle age. (6/2022)

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 90 Points (2021)
The 2021 Chardonnay Estate is an open, flowing white. It has a rich fragrance speaking of its time in the cellar - oak-derived nutty notes and vanilla meet sweet pastry characters often found when wines are left on their lees. The lightly cooked apple fruit in this young wine sits underneath. Gentle acidity leaves a tender rather than taut finish. (RG) (9/2022)

Robert Parker (RP) : 93 Points (2019)
Boasting signature scents of toasted hazelnuts and white peaches, the 2019 Estate Chardonnay is a classic example of the house style. Medium to full-bodied, it somehow manages to be creamy and zesty at the same time, with rich fruit enlivened by electric acidity and bright citrus notes. Always enjoyable young, this vintage looks to have at least a decade's worth of longevity.

Wine Spectator (WS) : 92 Points (2019)
Supple, with a hint of sweet butter that mingles with marmalade, orange blossom, lemon sherbet, and lemongrass flavors. Complex and expressive, with a long, lingering finish.

Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2020
Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2020
Kumeu River
Coddington Chardonnay 2020
VN
93
RP
95
WE
96
Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay is a standout expression of New Zealand Chardonnay, offering richness and elegance with its vibrant fruit character and well-integrated oak. It represents the epitome of single-vineyard winemaking from Kumeu River’s celebrated Coddington Vineyard.
46,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Kumeu River Ray
Kumeu River Ray's Road Chardonnay 2020
Kumeu River
Ray's Road Chardonnay 2020
RP
94
BC
95
JS
93
The Kumeu River Ray's Road Chardonnay is a fresh, zesty Chardonnay with a mineral backbone, reflecting the unique limestone terroir of the Ray's Road Vineyard in Hawke's Bay. Known for its vibrant acidity and lively minerality, this wine adds elegance to the Kumeu River range.
39,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Kumeu River Chardonnay Hunting Hill 2020
Kumeu River Chardonnay Hunting Hill 2020
Kumeu River
Chardonnay Hunting Hill 2020
WS
94
RP
96
VN
95
The Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay is an elegant and complex wine, showcasing the distinct terroir of the Hunting Hill Vineyard. Known for its powerful lemon-lime aromatics and mineral-driven finish, this wine exemplifies the potential of great Chardonnay from New Zealand.
61,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Wine regions guide
35,90 €
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