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, 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 Domain Leflaive!
Kumeu’s “entry-level” chardonnay reveals the true class of this producer. Vastly underpriced for the sheer quality in the glass.
“The first vintage of Village Chardonnay I tasted was from the 2002 vintage and it has been my “house Chardonnay” ever since. ” Bob Campbell – MW
“If Michael Brajkovich MW were a Burgundian rather than a New Zealander, he would be among the most celebrated white winemakers in the Côte de Beaune, right up there with the likes of Dominique Lafon, Pierre-Yves Colin Morey and Jean-Marc Roulot. The good news for us is that we can buy his amazing Chardonnays at ludicrously cheap prices. This is only his entry-point wine, but is typically well balanced, refreshing and focused, with just a hint of oak spice, leesy complexity, some struck match undertones and a chiselled, refreshing finish. A Kiwi wine that’s better than many Puligny-Montrachets.” 93 Points, Tim Atkin MW, October 2020 (review for 2019)
About the 2025 from the winemaker: “This is a wine where we always have a bottle in the fridge. The perfect aperitif Chardonnay, it’s a wine that pairs very well with all types of seafood. Produced from grapes grown in Kumeu 42% and Hawkes Bay 58% this wine was fermented 38% in old French oak barrels, and 62% in stainless steel tanks. The barrel fermentation provides some richness but very little oak influence. Combined with the tank fermentation this allows the vibrant fruit to show through beautifully with lively lime and lemon aromas and a flinty, mineral palate with hints of fig and white peach.
“The 2025 Vintage gave us outstanding quality, both in Kumeu and Hawkes Bay, with beautiful fruit aroma, flavour and concentration. Our own Rays Road vineyard in Hawkes Bay made up 32% of the final blend, which gives the wine a distinctive limestone edginess. The moderate alcohol level of 13.3% gives freshness with a lovely flinty texture. The citrus elements of Chardonnay shine through with a refreshingly crisp acid finish. This wine is delightful as an aperitif, and even better to drink with seafood.“
RRP $33 Our Special Price $24.50 when you buy 6 or more of this wine.
