Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay Hawkes Bay – 2020

Rays Road is Kumeu River’s new vineyard site in Hawkes Bay. This limestone hillside is at 180 m altitude, with a northerly aspect. This Chardonnay was dry-farmed (ie no irrigation), hand-harvested, whole bunch pressed and fermented with wild yeast in older French oak barrels to give a wine that is zesty and fragrant, with mineral complexity that is very true to its site.

“Rays Road ist der neue Weinberg von Kumeu River auf Kalksteinböden in Hawkes Bay. Dieser Chardonnay wurde von Hand geerntet und mit Wildhefe in älteren französischen Eichenfässern fermentiert, um einen pikanten und duftenden Wein mit mineralischer Komplexität zu produzieren, der seiner Lage sehr treu bleibt.” Michael Brajkovic MW

” A new wine in the line-up and it pleases me greatly to see that it comes from Hawke’s Bay.  I adore Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay and I can certainly see why these coolish climate kings have chosen to seek more fruit and also more challenges in this part of Kiwiland.  I love Rays road.  Classy, layered and complete this is a very different take on this grape from the remainder of the portfolio, given that the rest come from Kumeu (north of Auckland).  There is a distinct beginning, middle and end here, which is often a challenge in a new wine and particularly I love the acid line and elegance on the finish. “ 18/20 Matthew Jukes