Kumeu RiverProducer from Auckland, New Zealand

Kumeu River of New Zealand stands tall among the world's finest Chardonnay producers. With a rich history tracing back to 1937, their wines have triumphed in blind tastings, outshining esteemed Burgundy houses like Leflaive, Lafon, Sauzet, and Drouhin, all at a fraction of the price. The winery has not only cemented itself as New Zealand’s greatest Chardonnay producer but also the world. 

“Now producing some of New Zealand’s greatest Chardonnays, not to mention the world’s.” - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate

A brief history of Kumeu River Winery:

The journey of Kumeu River Wines began over half a century ago when the first generation of the Brajkovich family arrived in New Zealand in 1937. Hailing from a small Croatian village, Mick and Katé Brajkovich brought their farming and winemaking experience to Henderson in West Auckland. Despite the passing of Mick in 1949, Maté and Katé persevered, establishing San Marino Vineyards and cultivating the vines. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the winery underwent a significant transformation, focusing on quality and adopting Burgundian-style winemaking techniques. A landmark blind tasting in 2014 solidified their exceptional reputation, as Kumeu River triumphed over renowned white Burgundies.

Blind Tasting Competitions:

Kumeu River Winery has gained international recognition for its Chardonnays, with some blind tastings showing that they can hold their own against top Burgundy Chardonnays. In a blind tasting organized by UK merchant Farr Vintners, one bottle of each of Kumeu River's four Chardonnays was pitted against a flight of premier cru and village Burgundies of the same vintage from leading producers including Leflaive, Lafon, Sauzet, Drouhin, Girardin, and Niellon. The Kumeu River Chardonnays were declared the winners, beating out some of the most prestigious Burgundy Chardonnays. Jancis Robinson, a renowned wine critic, also conducted a blind tasting of Kumeu River Chardonnays back to 2007, comparing them with some of their finest white Burgundy equivalents. The results suggested that Kumeu River Chardonnays can more than hold their own against top Burgundy Chardonnays, and at a fraction of the price.

 

“Their Chardonnays were put to the test a few years ago when several were assessed blind, intermixed with some very serious Puligny-Montrachets and Meursaults. Kumeu River triumphed to such an extent that it became almost embarrassing. And to think that you can buy an entire case of Kumeu River for the cost of a single bottle of some Grand Crus.” - Neal Martin, Vinous 

 

The vineyards:

Kumeu Village Wines: 

The Village wines exemplify impeccably crafted wines at an affordable price range, benefiting from the same meticulous care and attention dedicated to our Estate and Single Vineyard selections. Sustainably grown grapes are handpicked and fermented with wild yeast, undergoing an extended maturation period on yeast lees.

Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay: 

A big step up from the village wines, Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay is sourced from six distinct vineyard sites within the Kumeu region. It stands as a remarkable wine that encapsulates the estate's rich history, unwavering determination, and unwavering commitment to excellence. This is one of our favourite in the range and each year we drink plenty of it.

Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay:

Coddington is a 2.4-hectare plot with heavyweight clay soils producing only 900 cases annually. Since 1998, Tim and Angela Coddington have been selling their grapes to Kumeu River which was going into the blends. In 2006, the single vineyard cuvee was created in honour of the unique terroir. The wine is rich, sensual, and refined and is often compared to Burgundy Premier Cru.

Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay:

Hunting Hill, with its steely character, mineral notes, and driving intensity, draws striking comparisons to Puligny-Montrachet. The vineyard is only 3 hectares which is a fraction compared to the 235 hectres of Pulginy. Hunting Hill, initially planted in 1982, has played a vital role in the original Kumeu River Chardonnay blend. Perched on the slope above Maté's Vineyard, it consistently delivers lusciously ripe and opulent fruit for the Estate Chardonnay. Following its replanting in 2000, Hunting Hill has surpassed its previous excellence, offering exquisitely ripe fruit imbued with a distinctive, textured minerality. 

Kumeu River Mate's Vineyard:

Maté's Vineyard, a tribute to its founder, is Kumeu River Winery's esteemed flagship Chardonnay. The late Maté Brajkovich, father of current winemaker and New Zealand's first Master of Wine, Michael Brajkovich, inspired this remarkable cuvée. Praised for its astonishing power-to-weight ratio, Maté's Vineyard is often likened to the renowned Montrachet or Corton-Charlemagnes Grand Cru vineyards of Burgundy. The vineyard is only 2.6 hectares which were planted with Mendoza clone in 1990 with its first vintage being 1993.