Kumeu River: The Knockout 2024 Chardonnays

The small but perfectly formed 2024 vintage of Kumeu River Chardonnays is one of the most exciting ever from this iconic New Zealand estate.  It was a privilege to be at the UK launch with winemaker Michael Brajkovich, New Zealand’s first Master of Wine, and taste these exceptional wines.  From just £10 per bottle in bond, these wines continue to rival Burgundy’s finest while offering outstanding value.  These come highly recommended.

Kumeu’s reputation for world-class Chardonnay is no secret but when the Brajkovich family purchased the estate in the 1980s it was mostly planted with Merlot.  It soon became clear that Chardonnay was the true star of these coastal, clay over sandstone soils.  The Merlot vines were slowly replaced with Chardonnay and single vineyard parcels producing particularly exceptional fruit with distinct character were identified.

“Amongst the very best Chardonnay producers in the world is Kumeu River in New Zealand. 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

Highlights include the Estate Chardonnay, a brilliant calling card with balance and ageing potential; Hunting Hill, our pick of the tasting for its Puligny-like tension and minerality; and the flagship Maté’s Vineyard, concentrated and powerful, rivalling the best Meursaults.  Yields were down around 40% on average, meaning allocations are especially limited this year, particularly for the top single vineyard wines.

Kumeu River 2024

Village Chardonnay - A great introduction to the Kumeu style: zesty lime and stone fruit, lightly creamy, with a refreshing finish. Great value and a delicious everyday Chardonnay.

Estate Chardonnay - The brilliant Estate Chardonnay is Kumeu’s calling card, capable of ageing beautifully for up to decade and often compared to white Burgundy at many times the price.  Ripe peach and apricot, lemon zest, and subtle oak combine with a fine backbone of acidity. Always good, but in 2024 it is especially balanced and complex, this comes highly recommended.

Ray’s Road Chardonnay - From limestone soils in Hawke’s Bay, Ray’s Road shows a different side of Kumeu River: crisp, chalky, and mineral-driven, with citrus, lychee, green apple and a a fine salty finish. The 2024 vintage emphasises its taut structure and refreshing, Chablis-like energy.

Hunting Hill Chardonnay - Like a fine Puligny Montrachet this is precise and elegant, marked by citrus blossom, apple, and saline minerality. The 2024 Hunting Hill is especially poised, showing tension and finesse, with a long vibrant finish.  Already gorgeous, this stunning effort will be long lived and was our pick of the tasting.

Maté’s Vineyard Chardonnay - The flagship wine of Kumeu River, the 2024 is remarkably concentrated and layered, with ripe stone fruit, toasted nuts, mineral depth and a long, powerful finish. Still a little shy, it will gradually unfurl to reveal its full spectrum of complex aromas and flavours with age. In style and stature it rivals the finest Meursault, yet comes at only a fraction of the price.

Wines available In Bond UK, (excluding UK duty & VAT)

For enquiries & orders, please contact us