2013 Kumeu River Chardonnay Mate's Vineyard

Kumeu, Auckland, New Zealand

Wine Advocate 93+ points!

Kumeu River Chardonnay Maté’s Vineyard is one of the top wines of New Zealand. Steven Spurrier for Decanter in the UK calls it New Zealand’s finest Chardonnay: “Floral tones over superb oak and beautifully structured fruit, this is a great wine in the Burgundian tradition for keeping at least five years.” Stephen Bennett, MW, from New Zealand, describes it as “clearly New Zealand's best Chardonnay with a string of outstanding vintages to its name.” Indeed, winemaker Michael Brajkovich is himself a Master of Wine (the first Kiwi to achieve this high honor) and he knows how to craft a beautiful white wine gem! Kumeu River Wines was founded in 1944 when Mick and Katé Brajkovich arrived in Kumeu from Dalmatia. Their son Maté planted this new vineyard in 1990 and grapes were first harvested in March 1993, the year after his death. Kumeu is one of the key wine districts of the Auckland wine region in the far northwest of the country.

“The 2013 Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay has delicate lime blossom, lemon curd and yuzu with hints of fresh herbs, baker’s yeast and chalk dust. Light to medium-bodied and very tightly-knit at this youthful stage, it has fantastic intensity of citrus and mineral flavors with a very long finish.”—Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, 93+ points!

Kumeu River Chardonnay Maté’s Vineyard is yellow-gold in color with vibrant acidity and a nose of pear, lime, orange and mineral notes. The wine was barrel-fermented in French oak, but the wood is subtle in the Burgundian style. Full-bodied with balanced acidity, it is a velvety Chardonnay with flavors of pears, peaches, citrus, vanilla and hazelnut. It is rich and creamy on the long finish.

Enjoy Kumeu River Chardonnay Maté’s Vineyard over the next 6-8 years with grilled swordfish, roast chicken, veal and grilled vegetables.