Kumeu River Mates Chardonnay Auckland – 2023

Please note: maximum of 6 bottles per customer

Mate’s Vineyard is Kumeu River’s “Grand Cru” equivalent and produces their finest Chardonnay each vintage. The vineyard is 2.5 hectares in size and was planted in 1990. The grapes are hand-picked, barrel-fermented using wild yeasts, then matured for a further 11 months in barrel on its lees. The wine usually needs at least 2-3 years to reach the start of its drinking window and is taut and crisp in its youth. As it develops, gentle tropical fruit and fine vanilla oak flavours open up, and its vibrant, lively acidity gives it a long drinking window.

“Very steely and floral, with brightness and impressive aromas of honeysuckle, lemongrass and just a touch of cream. Medium- to full-bodied with layered and creamy phenolics that give a lovely, almost velvety texture to the wine, and then the end is so crisp and minerally. Driven at the end. Needs time to come together. This will be so complex in three to four years. Best after 2027.” 97/100 James Suckling

“100% barrel fermentation (5+ year old+ French oak Barriques), 16% tank fermentation: 12.5% alc.

Maté Brajkovich’s family purchased this vineyard in 1944, and he reworked the land in 1990 (planting the Mendoza clone).  The first grapes were harvested in 1993.  Like Hunting Hill, this is a wine made using no new oak and just the best one and two-year-old barrels.  A powerful nose here with serious extract and a commanding feel rolls onto the palate, bringing a stern nature to every aspect of this wine.  As always, this is the most backward of the set, and in 2023, the fruit is particularly adroit.  The finish is completely closed and uncommunicative, and this is where the power pack lies.  The energy will seep into this wine over the next decade and more, allowing the fruit to relax and expand; however, this will always be a leaner and more chiselled wine.”  18.5++/20 Matthew Jukes