Founded in 1944 by Mick Brajkovich, wife Katé and son Maté, Kumeu River was one of the early pioneers in Auckland, New Zealand, that helped to establish its reputation as a world-class wine region. Still family owned and run, Kumeu River continues to pioneer new frontiers: winemaker Michael Brajkovich became New Zealand’s first member of the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine, London, and has been testing and championing screw cap closures for close to 20 years.
Michael blends this wine from six estate vineyards in Kumeu, holding to a consistently savoury, structured style of chardonnay. It is mellow, offering a plump cushion of Chardonnay goodness but not becoming heavy nor opulent. There’s a youthful edge and fresh acidity tying it together into a precise finish. It offers classic subtle characters of Golden Delicious apple, white nectarine and a mere whiff of oak-derived smokiness. Well-constructed, satisfying and elegant.
Drinking fantastically now and will only get better over the next 5 years.
