Kumeu River Village Chardonnay 2019
$ 23.00
There are few wines in New Zealand that shatter expectations like Kumeu River. This three-generation winemaking led by Michael Brackjovich has been crafting jaw-dropping Chardonnay that competes with the best Chardonnay anywhere. Although their single-vineyard Chardonnay’s like “Mate’s Vineyard” and “Hunting Hunting Hill” Vineyard often steal the show, their 2018 Kumeu River “Village” is the best rendition of their entry-level wine to date. With the core of this wine comes from Kumeu’s top-tier estate vineyards along with a touch of fruit from their Hawke’s Bay property, Michael asserts this is the best rendition of their “Village” they have every produced. Bright, and mineral driven on the palate with fresh lemon, citrus zest, and touches of white peach, what I love about this wine is its clean, and acid-driven palate that shows off Chardonnay as its most pure and transparent self. Vinous’s Neal Martin says it best when looking at Chardonnay prices elsewhere “you are left scratching your head as to why Kumeu River is not uttered in the same breath as Leflaive, Ramonet or Marcassin.”
