Kumeu River 'Rays Road' Chardonnay 2020
Regular price $63.00
Unit price per
- TASTING NOTE: "This is a fuller style from Hawke’s Bay and quite different from the rest of the Kumeu range of chardonnays. Bold, ripe peaches dominate the nose and palate. The texture is impressively silky and smooth. Very fleshy and complete. Impressive." 95 Points - JamesSuckling.com
- ABOUT THE WINE: Rays Road is Kumeu River’s new vineyard site in Hawkes Bay. This limestone hillside is at 180 m altitude, with a northerly aspect and is dry farmed. This Chardonnay was hand-harvested, whole bunch pressed and fermented with wild yeast in older French Oak barrels to give a wine that is zesty and fragrant, with mineral complexity that is very true to its site.
-
ABOUT THE PRODUCER: The Brajkovich family (Mick, Kate and son Mate) settled in New Zealand in 1937 and in 1944 purchased a Kumeu property (north of Auckland) with a small vineyard which became known as San Marino Vineyards. Mick passed away in 1949, but Kate and Mate continued to work the land and produce wine to sell. Mate met his wife Melba in the late 50's and in the 1960's they welcomed children Michael, Marijana, Milan, and Paul. For the children, being brought up around the winery established a strong foundation of industry knowledge and skill that would take the winery to a new level of success in the years to come. Although the winery and Maté were steadily gaining a reputation within the industry, it was the late 1970s and early 1980s that saw a marked evolution in the style and direction of the winery. In 1979, the winery moved away from the hybrids used for the production of fortified and basic red and white wines to varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc. All popular and commonly known varieties today, these wines were relatively unheard of at that stage, posing a bold and somewhat risky move for the winery. During the 1980s, Michael, Milan, and Paul became more involved in the business and the winery took on a new focus: quality and reputation. The winery changed its name to Kumeu River Wines and began producing a Burgundy-influenced style of Chardonnay that featured indigenous yeasts, extended lees ageing, and malo-lactic fermentation. In the years since, the Chardonnays of Kumeu River have steadily gained international awards and accolades. In 2014 Kumeu River's London based distributer Stephen Browett and his company Farr Vintners organise a blind tasting with the best palates, critics and wine writers in the world. Kumeu's Maté's, Coddington, Hunting Hill and Estate Chardonnay's are placed against a range of Premier Cru and Village Burgundies from the best producers. Kumeu triumphed over top white Burgundies in every flight apart from one, where it came first equal.
- COUNTRY: New Zealand
- REGION: Hawkes Bay
- VARIETAL: Chardonnay
- WINE STYLE: White Wine
- WINEMAKER: Michael Brajkovich
- CLASSIFICATION: Sustainable Farming
- CLOSURE: Screwcap
- ABV%: 13.5%
- SIZE: 750ml
FAQ
FAQ
Q: I need help making a drink selection! Can you help?
A: Of course. Drop into the Wine Store or get in touch.
Q: What are my pickup options?
A: Select 'pickup' when you place your online order and you can collect anytime during our opening hours.
Pickup is available during our opening hours:
Monday - Saturday: 11am - 9pm
Sundays & Public Holidays: Closed
Q: Can someone else pickup my order?
A: Yes if they have your receipt. However all alcohol orders must be picked up by an individual 18 year or older. Proof of age and sobriety are required as per RSA regulation.
Q: What are my delivery/shipping options?
A: Please check out our shipping policy.
Q: How do I make payment?
A: We accept payment by Visa, Mastercard, American Express or through Paypal. If you have a question about your payment please refer to your order number when you get in touch.
Q: I've ordered a digital gift certificate. When will I receive?
A: Once we reconcile your payment, you will receive your voucher via email.
Q: Can I use a gift certificate against multiple transactions?
A: Yes.
Q: I'm ordering a gift for someone. Can you supply a gift note for the wine I have ordered for them?
A: Yes. You can include a gift message when you add the item to your shopping cart in the 'special instructions' box. Please email us at if you have any trouble with this and quote your order number and we will make it all happen!
Q: I'm need to order multiple gifts! Can you help?
A: Of course. Check out our Wine Gifting page.