Kumeu River - Kumeu 'Village' Chardonnay 2023 (750ml)
Price: $21.99
| Producer | Kumeu River |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Region | Kumeu |
| Varietal | Chardonnay |
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Sku | 200715 |
| Size | 750ml |
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Kumeu River Description
Kumeu River, one of the first wineries in Auckland, New Zealand, helped establish the reputation of Kumeu as a word-class wine region. Founded in 1944 by the Brajkovich family, immigrants from Croatia, the estate has grown and flourished over the years through the dedication to producing benchmark-quality Chardonnay, influenced heavily by Burgundy (and often confused as such in blind tastings). Its array of single-vineyard Chardonnays represents some of the finest examples of this grape anywhere in the world, the Côte d’Or included.
The perfect aperitif Chardonnay, it's a wine that pairs very well with all types of seafood. Fermented 40% in old French oak barriques, and 60% in stainless steel tanks there is very little oak influence on either nose or palate. This has allowed the vibrant fruit to show through beautifully with lively lime and lemon aromas and a flinty, mineral edginess with hints of fig and white peach.
Tasting Note: Beautiful fruit aromas, flavors, and concentration. The Rays Road vineyard in Hawke's Bay contributed to the final blend, imparting a distinctive limestone edginess. The moderate alcohol level provides freshness with a lovely flinty texture. Citrus elements of Chardonnay shine through, culminating in a refreshingly crisp acid finish. This wine is delightful as an apéritif and even better when paired with seafood.
Wine Advocate: 90 Points
The 2023 Village Chardonnay is silky and sleek in the mouth, with lemon flesh, curd, almond meal and brine. The wine has loads of flavor but is restrained and composed; it's a really great entrée to the world of Kumeu River. Eighty percent of the fruit is from the Hawke's Bay vineyard.
