2021 Kumeu River 'Estate' Chardonnay, Auckland

Kumeu River Wines was established in 1944 when Mickael and Katé Brajkovich and their son Maté first came to the small country settlement of Kumeu, about 20 km north-west of Auckland City. The 1980s brought great changes and a move to high quality table wines from varieties such as Chardonnay. In that sense, we can certainly say that the Brajkovich family have been pioneers to the establishment of the New Zealand wine industry and been internationally recognised as producing world class wine. Under the supervision of the first Master of Wine from New Zealand: Michael Brajkovich; they continue to make some of the very best wines in New Zealand, especially their range of Chardonnay, which are simply stunning at every level! Why do we like it?  Kumeu River Chardonnay is drawn from six different vineyard sites in the Kumeu Region. The 2021 vintage was dry and not too hot, so the grapes came in clean and in perfect shape even though harvest was smaller than usual due to spring frost. The Estate is of great value, with fresh lemon and yellow apple aromas, the wine is racy showing a touch of smoke and toasty notes from the 20% new oak that was used during aging. It is way more complex than his price will indicate, round and creamy coupled with a gentle acidity, it is classy and glorious!   Grape            Chardonnay Country        New Zealand                              Region          Auckland Vintage         2021