Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay 2023

Drink it now or cellar for up to 5 years. No need to decant. Founded by the Brajkovich family in 1944, seven years after they emigrated from Croatia, Kumeu River is a New Zealand wine estate located about 25 kilometers from Auckland just outside the city of Kumeu. Since the 1980s, the company has focused on the production of Burgundian-style Chardonnay for which it has become particularly known throughout the world, receiving various international awards and recognitions. So much so that, in a famous blind tasting in London in 2014, the Chardonnays of Kumeu River triumphed over several great producers of Burgundy whites. Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay is a white wine made from Chardonnay grapes sourced from the Rays Road vineyard, located in Hawkes Bay, on a north-facing limestone hill at an altitude of 180m. The grapes are harvested manually, pressed in whole bunches, and fermented with wild yeasts in old French oak barrels. The resulting wine is savory and fragrant, with a mineral complexity that is the maximum expression of its terroir of origin. On the nose, this wine reveals elegant floral notes, mixed with aromas of citrus fruit and mineral nuances. In the mouth, its minerality recalls that of the Chablis wines. The wine is fresh and fruity with very light and well-integrated toasted notes and a creamy and soft body. The finish is medium long with well-balanced alcoholic warmth and fresh lemon notes. Perfect with white meats but especially grilled fish and seafood.

Price: £28.50 from 8wines UK