Description
This is a stunning introduction to the benchmark style of New Zealand Chardonnays produced by Michael Brajkovich and his family from this legendary estate, that has created a worldwide cult following. The wine is delicious, with a very attractive balance of stone fruit, citrus and freshness. Yum!
TASTING NOTE: From the exceptional 2025 vintage, this Estate Chardonnay has a vibrant yellow colour and a lovely, lifted bouquet of stone fruit and citrus. You’ll notice lemon, almond, peach notes, as well as a hint of jasmine and mixed herbs. On the palate: it is medium-bodied with delicious freshness and long, mouthwatering finish. 13.6% alcohol.
FOOD PAIRING, STORING AND SERVICE: Kumeu River suggests enjoying this with seafood, pasta, or poultry dishes. We would recommend trying this fantastic wine with Chicken Kiev. Or try this with a grilled asparagus/pepper salad with toasted pine nuts and a creamy lemon vinaigrette. Drink now or this will easily keep for 3-4 years in half bottle.
ABOUT: Michael Brajkovich and his family are based in an area just to the west of Auckland, New Zealand as well as owning vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, all on the North Island of New Zealand. They have been making single vineyard wines from each of their vineyards for the past seventy years, and also an estate blend from their six different sites which is this wine, the Estate Chardonnay. They have all regularly beaten top white, Burgundy wines in recent blind tastings line-ups, and in our view thoroughly deserve their title as the best white wines in New Zealand. The 2025 vintage saw a very dry harvest season. Other than 17mm of rain in the middle of February, which topped up the vine’s water reserves, it was a warm, dry, successful growing season right through to the middle of March. The wines are excellent as a result!
