2023 Kumeu River Village Chardonnay

For lovers of Chabliesque wines but not their price tag, this Kiwi Chardonnay is an exceptional alternative at a fraction of the cost.
3.5
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
2 Reviews

Price:
Sale price$25.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship

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Description

Kumeu River are producing some of the most exquisite Chardonnays this side of Burgundy, in the words of Tim Atkin MW “If Michael Brajkovich MW were a Burgundian rather than a New Zealander, he would be among the most celebrated white winemakers in the Côte de Beaune.”

Pretty high praise, and quite apt when you’re looking at this wine from them. The value for money is through the roof. Creamy, with a slight flinty-mineral note, on the palate there is a subtle fruit character up front moving to a delicate tight and crisp mid-back palate. Fully of bright acidity and a lengthy clean finish.

As an entry point into the Chardonnay range of Kumeu River, this wine is insane; pure, precise and oh so Chablisesque!


This is a wine where we always have a bottle in the fridge. The perfect aperitif Chardonnay, it's a wine that pairs very well with all types of seafood. Fermented 40% in old French oak barriques, and 60% in stainless steel tanks there is very little oak influence on either nose or palate. This has allowed the vibrant fruit to show through beautifully with lively lime and lemon aromas and a flinty, mineral edginess with hints of fig and white peach.

The 2023 Vintage was a tricky vintage with lower ripeness levels where careful selection was crucial. As a result the quantity produced was over 30% less than the 2022 vintage. Our own Rays Road vineyard in Hawkes Bay made up 88% of the final blend which gives the wine a distinct limestone edginess. The moderate alcohol level of 12.5% gives a wine of freshness with a lovely flinty texture. The citrus elements of Chardonnay shine through with a refreshing cleansing finish. This wine is delightful as an aperitif, and even better to drink with fish and shellfish.

ABV - 12.5%

Vinification:
Indigenous yeast fermentation 100% malo-lactic fermentation 16% Tank Fermentation 84% Barrel Fermentation (5 year old + French oak barriques) 88% Hawkes Bay 12% Kumeu

3.5
Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars
Based on 2 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 0 Total 4 star reviews: 1 Total 3 star reviews: 1 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
50%would recommend this product
2 reviews
  • GK
    Grant K.
    Verified Buyer
    11 seconds ago
    Rated 3 out of 5 stars
    Kumeu 23 chard

    A bit disappointed with this one. Previous years have been amazing.

    This was sharp, acidic and unbalanced. Maybe it needs time…

    TasteRated 2.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
    Interest LevelRated 4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
    Value for MoneyRated 2.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
  • DM
    David M.
    Verified Buyer
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    1 year ago
    Wine Knowledge Level Enthusiast
    Rated 4 out of 5 stars
    Great value

    We buy this year in , year out

    All Kumeu chardonnays are excellent. This entry level wine punches well above its weight

    TasteRated 4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
    Interest LevelRated 4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
    Value for MoneyRated 4.0 on a scale of 1 to 5
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Kumeu River

Like so many new world wineries, Kumeu River, is an immigrant success story, hard work, and growth from generation to generation.

The Brajkovich family’s story has grown in parallel to the growth of the New Zealand wine industry in general, established the Kumeu region north of Auckland.

3rd generation winemaker Michael Brajkovich ( New Zealand’s first MW) spent a vintage in Burgundy in the early 1980’ that changed the wineries trajectory and led them to place a singular focus on producing world class Chardonnay.

This change saw them rename the winery Kumeu River (from San Marino Vineyards) and evolve to a more Burgundian style of winemaking. Since these changes, the wines of Kumeu river have been recognised as belonging to the pantheon of Chardonnay on a global scale.

The Vineyards of Kumeu River Kumeu River

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For orders under this amount, delivery is calculated at checkout based on your postcode. You can order in any quantity or combination of wines you like. Straight dozens are not required.

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Estimated delivery transit time varies depending on your location. Please review this page for specific estimates.

Sydney (Our Vans): If no one is home and there are no special delivery instructions our driver will try to call for instructions. If the driver believes there is a safe space to leave your wine they will do so if not, they will return the item to us and hold your order until further instruction from you. 

Melbourne (Anonymous Wine Freight): If no one is home and there are no special delivery instructions, the courier will try to call for instructions. If the driver believes there is a safe space to leave your wine they will do so. if not, they will return the item to their dispatch centre and hold until further instruction from you.

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