Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay is a captivating wine from New Zealand. This beguiling Chardonnay radiates a brilliant gold hue, embodying a refined subtlety in its balance of flavour. Driven by bright citrus notes, it also demonstrates rich textures of ripe pear, apple and a hint of white peach. Its impressive palate exhibits creamy subtleties, with an attractive minerality that gives it an alluringly complex edge. Aged in French oak barrels, this wine gains more depth, culminating in a long-lasting, refreshing finish. It's truly a delightful treat for the discerning wine connoisseur.

Tasting Notes

The 2019 vintage was exceptional and produced sensational Chardonnay across all our vineyards. The limestone-based vineyard at Rays Road in Hawkes Bay has yielded some uniquely characterful Chardonnay from this vintage. It has the aroma of citrus peel, flinty minerals and salty seashells. There are creamy, peach-like flavours on the mid-palate, but then it finishes firmly with zesty fresh acidity and a steel backbone

About the Winery

Established in 1944, Kumeu River winery sits nestled in the heart of New Zealand's premier wine country, Kumeu. As a family-run operation, this winery is proud to carry a legacy of impeccable wine production across three generations. The Brajkovich family, the progenitors and caretakers of this wine-making marvel, honour their rich Croatian heritage while delving into the nuances of New Zealand viticulture.

The sun-dappled vineyards of Kumeu River sprawl across thirty hectares, with soil rich in clay and limestone, contributing a distinct expression to their world-renowned wines. Single variety vineyards coax out the best of the Chardonnay grape, producing wines brimming with complexity and depth. It's no surprise this vino has been lauded and loved by experts and beginners alike globally.

In terms of their winemaking process, Kumeu River follows a minimalist approach, allowing the vibrant fruit flavours to shine forth. They maintain a strong emphasis on hand-harvesting, traditional wine pressing, and indigenous yeast fermentation, all contributing to their authentic, top-tier wines.

Recognised internationally for their exceptional Chardonnays, Kumeu River is renowned for producing wines that rival those of Burgundy. Notably, their flagship Kumeu River Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay is a thing of legendary lore. This particular vintage consistently receives impressive scores from prestigious wine critics its alluring notes of ripe tropical fruits, elegantly balanced by a palate-cleansing acid finish, is nothing short of enchanting.

Additionally, the winery offers an unforgettable experience through comprehensive wine tastings and personal tours of the vineyard. Visitors are greeted with lush landscapes, tranquil settings and an in-depth look into the intricacies of crafting world class wines The warm, hospitable staff are always ready to share snippets of knowledge and insights, making your sojourn to Kumeu River winery a truly immersive and enlightening affair.

In short, the Kumeu River vineyards are a testament to methodical wine-making, a must-visit for any avid oenophile. You will find that each bottle encapsulates not only the pure essence of the terroir but the heart and soul of the industrious Brajkovich family, sprouting from every sip.

https://kumeuriver.co.nz

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