2023 Kumeu Village Chardonnay

Brand	Kumeu River
Region	Kumeu
Varietal	Chardonnay
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	13.5%
Vintage	2023
Country	New Zealand
Vegan
Vegetarian

To future proof growing demand and provide a stylistically similar, quality driven gateway to their World Class, World Beating, Kumeu River Estate & Single Vineyard Chardonnays… Michael Brajkovich of Kumeu River crafts this benchmark quality, modestly priced Village Chardonnay. So good at circa $20, James Suckling rates it a huge 92/100 at the money. To continue to evolve the quality and style of this outstanding Village Chardonnay the Brajkovich family bought a prized, mature vineyard in Raukawa in the Hawke's Bay. Incredibly they maintain the tradition of 100% handpicked fruit, 100% MLF with over 80% in French Oak (mostly older seasoned barrels) all contributing to the body and richness of this remarkable value Chardonnay. The new addition of a sizable component of Hawke's Bay fruit has given the wine a noticeable increase in mid-palate weight with a predominant stone fruit presence. The judicious fermentation of 20% in tank gives it a superb Chablis-like freshness. What a magnificent Chardonnay value and experience at the price. Like its exalted Kumeu River siblings… it has the measure of its White Burgundy equivalents, not just on price, but quality too. It will age 5-years with ease, but it is totally irresistible right now so why wait?

Fragrant nose of apricots, nectarines, roasted nuts, and subtle mineral notes.

Generous and richly fruited with Stone fruits on the palate, there is subtle nutty oak influence and lots of biscuity lees notes throughout the lightly creamy palate culminating in an elegantly fresh finish. Classic and stylish, it's ready to drink now or over the next 3+ years. An ideal partner to fish, soups, or goat cheese salad.