Description
Kumeu River, northwest of Auckland is without a doubt NZ’s finest chardonnay producer. Master of Wine and winemaker Michael Brajkovich has been crafting fine chardonnay at the estate since the 1980’s. Hand picked fruit and vigorous selection from the low yielding vines, whole bunch pressed, wild yeasts, 100% fermented in French oak barriques and full malolactic fermentation to soften the pristine acidity and add texture and dimension. Not surprising Michael is not shy in comparing his Chardonnays with the great White Burgundies like Domain Leflaive!
At a blind tasting in London (May 2015) of the most highly esteemed White Burgundies with a panel of experts (included leading wine writers Jancis Robinson and Neal Martin of eRobertParker.com) the Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2012 was the hightest rated wine against Etienne Sauzet Puligny-Montrachet and Anne-Claude Leflaive Puligny-Montrachet .. wines vastly more expensive! As Jancis reported .. “won hands down, costing a fraction of the wines they trounced” and added that “the Kumeu wines shone because they were better made and more sophisticated….fresh as a daisy and clearly a glorious future ahead”. Other comments from the tasting …. Neal Martin, The Wine Advocate .. “Kumeu River’s Chardonnays … some of the best in the world … a world-class estate producing world-class wines.” Mathew Jukes “…crushed the Old World stars with ease! You must find a space for these wines in your cellar …these are incredible wines. One sip is all that is needed to add Kumeu to your list of greats.”
Kumeu River has always believed that they could produce high quality sparkling wine from their vineyards in Kumeu, particularly from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Kumeu River Crémant fulfils this long held ambition.
Hand harvested, whole-bunch pressed, indigenous yeast fermentation, 100% malo-lactic fermentation.
60% Chardonnay 40% Pinot Noir. Bottle Fermented and on lees for 36 Months. Disgorged and dosed by hand. Dosage 4g/L
The French term Crémant may only be used to describe a specific type of sparkling wine and must meet exacting production methods to maintain the integrity of the name. These include a second alcoholic fermentation in the bottle, and a maturation on yeast lees of not less than nine months. A similar set of standards apply to the vinification, including hand harvesting and whole bunch pressing.
As the term implies, the taste should be creamy. The finished wine shows delicate strawberry red fruit Pinot aromas and floral Chardonnay with bready yeast complexity. It has a delightfully creamy texture with a fine bead of bubbles. With a nicely balanced low dosage, it is refreshingly dry with a long, lingering fine finish. This is super classy… sommeliers in blind tasting super impressed with comparison comments such as ‘pedigree grower champagne’ bandied about. This is a super smart offering.
94 points, Bob Cambell MW, The Real Review “Fresh, bright méthode in a bone-dry style with citrus, ginger and baguette crust supported by steely, mouth-watering acidity.”
RRP $70 Our Special Price $56.99 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
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