Kumeu River, New Zealand
“World class: two words loaded with import and used too liberally these days. Apropos of Kumeu River’s Chardonnays, those two words are apt."
Neal Martin
New Zealand’s first Master of Wine and Kumeu River winemaker, Michael Brajkovich, has quite some CV. Having trained under Jean-Claude Berrouet of Château Petrus and later at Domaine Leflaive, it’s perhaps no wonder that the style of wine made at Kumeu River mimics traditional French styles with a slightly more vibrant Kiwi twist – possibly aided by their early adoption of screwcaps across the range.
Chardonnay is certainly for what they're best known for, with the Mate's vineyard being one of the most sought-after New World Chardonnays on the market. In addition to five of their Chardonnays, I've also listed their Pinot Gris, for which I have got a rather soft spot. There are no airs or graces; it's not pretending to be anything, it's not, but at £11 per bottle in bond, I think it's a delight.
“If you can taste history, duty, and family pride in a glass, it’s there in the Kumeu River Chardonnays...now producing some of New Zealand’s greatest Chardonnays, not to mention the world’s.”
Lisa Perrotti-Brown
