Kumeu River Ray's Road Chardonnay 2020

Kumeu River Ray's Road Chardonnay 2020

 

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Kumeu River
Ray's Road Chardonnay 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : New Zealand
  • Region : Auckland
  • Subregion
  • Type : White
  • Style : Creamy Full Bodied White
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Chardonnay

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.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 94 2020
BC Bob Campbell MW 95 2019
JS James Suckling 93 2019
More information on wine critics and ratings

Region and Vineyards

The Ray's Road vineyard is located in Hawkes Bay, one of New Zealand’s most renowned wine regions on the North Island. Acquired by Kumeu River in 2017, this vineyard sits on a limestone hillside at an elevation of 180 meters. Its northerly aspect provides optimal sun exposure, allowing for gradual ripening of the grapes and preserving their natural acidity. The limestone soils of Ray’s Road impart a distinctive mineral quality to the wine, giving it a fresh and structured character.

Hawkes Bay’s coastal climate, combined with the vineyard’s altitude, creates cool growing conditions that help maintain vibrant acidity in the fruit. The vineyard is dry-farmed, meaning it relies entirely on natural rainfall, which leads to more concentrated and complex flavors in the grapes. The vines, aged between 3 and 12 years, consist of clones 95, 15, and 548, trained using Vertical Shoot Positioning (VSP) for optimal sun exposure and air circulation.

Winemaking

The 2020 Ray's Road Chardonnay is made from 100% Chardonnay, and the winemaking process is carefully handled to ensure that the fruit’s purity and site expression are preserved. The grapes are hand-harvested to ensure only the finest quality is used. Once picked, they are whole-bunch pressed, a gentle method that minimizes extraction of harsh tannins and preserves the delicate aromatics of the fruit.

The juice undergoes indigenous yeast fermentation in older French oak barrels, ensuring a slow, natural fermentation that adds layers of complexity to the wine. The use of older barrels ensures that the oak influence is subtle, allowing the freshness and minerality of the fruit to take center stage. Following fermentation, the wine undergoes 100% malolactic fermentation, which softens the acidity and adds a creamy texture to the palate. The wine is then aged for 11 months in barrel, which integrates the flavors and enhances its complexity without overwhelming the fruit.

Tasting Notes

  • Color: A pale, straw-yellow hue with bright reflections.
  • Aroma: Delicate aromas of white flowers and lemon zest, accompanied by subtle hints of mineral complexity from the limestone soils.
  • Palate: The palate is lively and zesty, featuring flavors of citrus, particularly lemon and grapefruit, balanced by a fresh oyster-shell minerality. The wine has a creamy texture from the malolactic fermentation, but retains its vibrant acidity, leading to a crisp, refreshing finish with a lingering mineral note.

Did you know?

The Ray's Road vineyard marks Kumeu River’s first venture into the Hawkes Bay region, expanding their traditional footprint in Kumeu. The vineyard’s limestone soils are a key factor in the unique minerality and freshness of the Chardonnay, setting it apart from the more clay-based soils in Kumeu River’s other vineyards. This acquisition has allowed the winery to experiment with a different terroir, adding a new dimension to their renowned Chardonnay range.

Wine Pairing Ideas

  • Oysters on the half shell: The wine’s crisp acidity and oyster-shell minerality make it a natural pairing with briny, fresh oysters.
  • Grilled lemon herb chicken: The citrus notes of the wine complement the bright, herbal flavors of grilled chicken, while the wine’s texture matches the dish’s savory richness.
  • Pan-seared scallops: The wine’s fresh acidity cuts through the richness of scallops, while the minerality enhances their natural sweetness.
  • Goat cheese tart: The creamy texture of the Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the tangy richness of goat cheese, and the wine’s citrus notes add a refreshing contrast.

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​.

Robert Parker (RP) : 94 Points (2020)
The 2020 Rays Road Chardonnay is still largely made from fruit from the vines that were original in the vineyard; however, there were some new plantings coming online in this vintage. In majority, this is clone 95. So, on the nose, there is white peach, lemongrass, a hint of torched tatami mat, almond meal, croissant and pastry. It's really settled into itself now, after several years in bottle, and it's moving toward that gently nutty, silky space. "2019 was good from the start, but 2020 was like 'here, hold my beer, I'll show you how it's done,'" says Michael Brajkovich. 13.5% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

Bob Campbell MW (BC) : 95 Points (2019)
Lovely wine! An appealing core of sweet fruit with white peach, nectarine and a lovely saline-mineral lift supported by gentle acidity. A totally seductive, fruit-forward wine with an ethereal texture.

James Suckling (JS) : 93 Points (2019)
A very bold delivery of ripe-peach aromas with some gently buttery undertones. The palate has a smooth, creamy textural build to a fresh, crisp and dry peach finish.

Kumeu River Chardonnay Mate
Kumeu River Chardonnay Mate's Vineyard 2021
Kumeu River
Chardonnay Mate's Vineyard 2021
JS
99
VN
97
BC
95
The Kumeu River Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay is a powerful, complex, single-vineyard wine that reflects the exceptional quality of the Maté’s Vineyard site. Known for its density and concentration, this Chardonnay promises both immediate enjoyment and remarkable aging potential.
70,90 €
Quantity : moins plus
Kumeu River Chardonnay Estate 2021
Kumeu River Chardonnay Estate 2021
Kumeu River
Chardonnay Estate 2021
BC
92
JS
94
WE
95
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.
35,90 €
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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 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
39,90 €
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