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2016 Kumeu River "Estate" Chardonnay Kumeu New Zealand

2016 Kumeu River "Estate" Chardonnay Kumeu New Zealand

95BC
92W&S
91JS
91RP
91WS
90WE
$29.99

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95

Bob Campbell

Reviewed April 2017
A significant step up on the entry level Village Chardonnay with greater concentration and complexity. Quite Mâcon-like this year in a fruit-focused style with melon and peach the most obvious flavours, although they are supported by subtle nut and bran characters. Good now but will reward cellaring.

Professional Reviews

92

Wine & Spirits

Review Date: 04/2018
This is sourced from six sites throughout Kumeu. Despite extended lees aging and full malolactic fermentation, it’s creamy, with a centered, persistent acidity that buoys the notes of rich oak, toasted oats, dandelion greens and brown butter. Ideal for sautéed fish with cream sauce.

91

James Suckling

Review Date: 10/2018
Quite a rich and creamy wine for this producer, but with the usual polished texture and long finish. A little bit closed on the nose right now, although some gardenia and peach notes are showing. But this is just a phase it's going through. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

91

Wine Advocate

Review Date: 02/2018
Still a Kiwi classic, Kumeu River's 2016 Estate Chardonnay features toasted grain aromas, ripe peach and nectarine flavors and a long, citrus-inflected finish. It's medium-bodied, with a plump, silky texture and up to a decade of aging potential. (JC)

Notes

The family who began this winery and still run it today are Croatian. Mick Brajkovich, together with his wife Katé and son Maté, emigrated from Croatia in 1938. Once they had saved up enough money, they bought a parcel of land in the Auckland area and began farming. They grew grapes and made wine for family consumption, as was common back home in Dalmatia. Very quickly the quality of their wines was recognized by the Auckland elite and they found that they had a growing wine business. As the family business grew, so did the family. The current generation’s winemaker, Michael Brajkovich, is the eldest son of Maté and has taken the business very seriously. He was the first winemaker in New Zealand to become a certified Master of Wine, and since the 1980s has focused the direction of the winery on Burgundian varietals. Kumeu River is known for its Chardonnay production.

Details

TypeWhite Wine
VarietalChardonnay
OriginNew Zealand
Bottle Size750 mL
SKU1403523