"Jancis Robinson MW 17.5/100
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. Drink 2020 to 2032 JancisRobinson.com, September 2020"
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 2016 vintage shone brightly at our recent Kumeu River tasting with Paul Brajkovich - the almost unending and evolving finish even at this early stage in its evolution testament to the unique and outstanding quality of this legendary vineyard.
