Kumeu River Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay 2023
New ZealandSingle Price:
£61.90
Mixed 6 Price:
£55.90
In Stock - 6 available
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Free Local & London Delivery on orders over £40
Free Click and Collect service
Free Gift Note service at checkout
Description
In a nutshell:
From Kumeu's iconic Mate's Vineyard, this Chardonnay is rich, ripe, and impressively concentrated, with layers of citrus, peach, and flint-driven complexity.
The lowdown:
Maté Brajkovich planted this vineyard shortly before his passing in 1992, and it has since become the cornerstone of Kumeu River's reputation. Even in the slightly lighter 2023 vintage, the hallmark concentration and depth shine through. Aged in mostly 1-2 year old barrels, it's medium to full-bodied with a creamy, velvety texture that balances the citrus and stone fruit beautifully. The crisp, mineral finish keeps it fresh, while a savoury undertone adds real complexity. Seductive and refined, it remains the true benchmark of New Zealand Chardonnay.
The Producer:
Kumeu River Wines is a New Zealand legend, crafting world-class Chardonnay instead of the country's famed Sauvignon Blanc. Founded in 1944 near Auckland by Croatian immigrant Maté Brajkovich, it's now run by his son Michael (New Zealand's first Master of Wine) and siblings. They offer a warm, family welcome at the cellar door. While their Auckland location presents land-cost challenges, they're expanding to Hawkes Bay. Alongside Chardonnay, they've recently found success with Alsatian-style Pinot Gris and a delightful Chardonnay/Pinot Noir sparkler. This is a family-driven operation focused on quality, not flash.
When to drink:
Pairs beautifully with pan-seared scallops or roast guinea fowl, the rich, creamy texture and savoury depth match indulgent dishes perfectly. Delightful now, but will age gracefully over the next decade.
From Kumeu's iconic Mate's Vineyard, this Chardonnay is rich, ripe, and impressively concentrated, with layers of citrus, peach, and flint-driven complexity.
The lowdown:
Maté Brajkovich planted this vineyard shortly before his passing in 1992, and it has since become the cornerstone of Kumeu River's reputation. Even in the slightly lighter 2023 vintage, the hallmark concentration and depth shine through. Aged in mostly 1-2 year old barrels, it's medium to full-bodied with a creamy, velvety texture that balances the citrus and stone fruit beautifully. The crisp, mineral finish keeps it fresh, while a savoury undertone adds real complexity. Seductive and refined, it remains the true benchmark of New Zealand Chardonnay.
The Producer:
Kumeu River Wines is a New Zealand legend, crafting world-class Chardonnay instead of the country's famed Sauvignon Blanc. Founded in 1944 near Auckland by Croatian immigrant Maté Brajkovich, it's now run by his son Michael (New Zealand's first Master of Wine) and siblings. They offer a warm, family welcome at the cellar door. While their Auckland location presents land-cost challenges, they're expanding to Hawkes Bay. Alongside Chardonnay, they've recently found success with Alsatian-style Pinot Gris and a delightful Chardonnay/Pinot Noir sparkler. This is a family-driven operation focused on quality, not flash.
When to drink:
Pairs beautifully with pan-seared scallops or roast guinea fowl, the rich, creamy texture and savoury depth match indulgent dishes perfectly. Delightful now, but will age gracefully over the next decade.
Details
Categories | Wine / White Wine / Rich & Rounded Whites |
Country | New Zealand |
Grape Variety | Chardonnay |
Vintage | 2023 |
Volume | 75cl |
ABV | 12.5% |
SKU | KU0121WN |