Kumeu River Mate’s Chardonnay 2019
$104.99
Flagship, single vineyard wine from exceptional vintage. 98 points
Out of stock
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. Handpicked fruit and vigorous selection from the low yielding vines, whole bunch pressed, wild yeasts, a third of the fruit 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 Domaine Leflaive!
“If you can taste history, duty and family pride in a glass, it’s there in the Kumeu River Chardonnays … some of New Zealand’s greatest Chardonnays, not to mention the world’s.” Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, The Wine Advocate
“If these aren’t the best chardonnays in New Zealand (and some of the best in the world), I’d like to see what could roll them.” Huon Hooke, SMH, Oct 2012
From the winemaker, Michael Brajkovich MW: “In 1990, Maté Brajkovich reworked the land and planted a new vineyard of Chardonnay vines on the site of the original vineyard that he and his family purchased in March 1944. The first grapes from this vineyard were harvested in March 1993, the year following Maté’s death. The resulting wine was released in November 1994 to coincide with celebrations marking the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Brajkovich Family’s arrival at Kumeu River.
The 2019 vintage was exceptional and produced sensational Chardonnay across all our vineyards. Mate’s Vineyard is always the last site we pick each year. In 2019 the grapes certainly had the distinctive Mendoza millerandage, giving many small berries along with the normal sized ones, and as a result a wonderfully concentrated palate texture and fruit richness. Although still somewhat shy on the nose coming out of the barrel, with bottle age the full palette of complex aromas and bouquet of this wonderful wine will be gradually and seductively revealed.”
Hand harvested Whole-bunch pressed Indigenous yeast fermentation 100% barrel fermentation 100% malo-lactic fermentation 11 months maturation in barrel.
98 Points, Cameron Douglas MS “This is highest score I have ever awarded a New Zealand Chardonnay – this wine is simply fantastic! Tense, ripe, pure, mineral, finesse, charm and beguiling. This is the best Mate’s I have encountered – the vintage says it all – aromas and flavours of apples and peaches, citrus of grapefruit and lemon
then layers of new-ish wood adding in texture, harmony, tension and length. The acidity is ripe and almost sweet to the taste also suggesting a light saline note. The palate is full and lengthy, pure and generous – put your name down for a case. Best drinking likely beginning 2022 through 2032.”
95 points, Bob Campbell MW “Concentrated chardonnay with peach, grapefruit, citrus and a suggestion of oyster-shell and mineral flavours. A ripe obviously youthful wine, with a slightly phenolic backbone and a length finish. Should develop well with bottle age. 2020-2027”
96 pts Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate, June 2021:” Scents of hazelnut, mocha and lime-custard crème brûlée appear on the nose of the 2019 Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay. Complex and compelling, it’s undoubtedly one of Kumeu River’s top recent efforts. Medium to full-bodied, plump and generous on the palate, yet marked by zesty acids and a bright, citrusy finish, it’s wonderfully balanced and drinkable now, yet it should age effortlessly for at least a decade. 2021 – 2030.”
96pts Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous Media:”Tightly coiled, this focused and athletic Chardonnay needs to be put away in a cool, dark cellar in the medium term to allow it to unwind. A little shy on the nose, presenting melon, beeswax and subtle oak-derived nutty characters, it has an excellent core of concentration. There is a fine, silken texture on the focused and layered midpalate. Produced from the Mendoza clone, which is prone to hens and chicks. Invigorating acidity provides momentum on the lengthy finish.”
Jancis Robinson MW: “Made in just the same way as all the Kumeu River single-vineyard Kumeu 2019 Chardonnays.
Fuller than the Hunting Hill but with much more framework and tension than the Coddington. Already so pleasing! With that extra breadth plus undertow. Fantastic length. Creamy texture. One for hedonists – by which I don’t mean it’s at all sweet. But it’s richer than the Hunting Hill yet still has that New Zealand purity of fruit. Who could resist this? New Zealand Chardonnay at its finest. Perhaps slightly less burgundian than the Hunting Hill. 14% Drink 2020 – 2032.”
Very Limited $104.99
Additional information
Producer | Kumeu River |
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Variety | Chardonnay |
Region or Country | Auckland, New Zealand |
Vintage | 2019 |