Lot presentation

Nouvelle Zélande Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay 2021

The wine

The magnificent terroirs of New Zealand harbour Chardonnay vines lovingly tended by the Kumeu River Winery to produce an elegant, fragrant single-varietal cuvée. Cultivated on six different parcels in the heart of the Kumeu region, the Chardonnay grapes are exclusively hand picked to preserve the fruit and the soil. The grapes are gently pressed as soon as they arrive in the winery, before the musts ferment spontaneously thanks to native yeasts. Following malolactic fermentation, the cuvée ages in casks for 11 months before bottling.
This exquisite white wine displays ripe peach and nectarine aromas on the nose, complemented by subtle hints of walnut. The creamy palate reveals a beautiful acidity culminating in a flavoursome finish packed with freshness. This cuvée can be enjoyed young or after several years of cellaring.

About the Producer Kumeu River

Located in the northern part of New Zealand, not far from Auckland, the domain belongs to the Brajkovich family which undeniably contributes to the worldwide renown of the country's wines. Passionately working with Chardonnay, which are joined by Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris vines, it has about thirty hectares of vines on clay and sandstone soil. The work is done meticulously both in the vineyard and in the cellar, and, to a certain extent, the wines produced remind us of Burgundy crus, particularly for its single plot wines. The estate continues to work in tandem with innovation which completes the knowledge built up by the winemaker Michael Brajkovich over the years.
Today, Michael Brajkovich is not only the first New Zealander to become a Master of Wine but he was also crowned he Winemakers’ Winemaker by the Masters of Wine in March 2024. As well as being highly renowned with English-speaking wine critics, the estate has also won over those based in France.