Nestled to the northwest of Auckland, Kumeu River undeniably claims its place as the quintessential chardonnay producer in New Zealand. The realm of chardonnay mastery finds its virtuoso in the form of Master of Wine and winemaker, Michael Brajkovich, who has artfully honed his craft at this estate since the 1980s. Meticulously curated, the process commences with the delicate curation of hand-picked fruits from low-yielding vines, followed by a rigorous selection process. The alchemy unfolds with whole bunch pressing, where the symbiotic dance of wild yeasts is invited to orchestrate the transformation.

A symphony of flavors flourishes within French oak barriques, as the wine undergoes an exclusive fermentation journey, culminating in the embrace of full malolactic fermentation. This tender transformation not only tempers the wine's pristine acidity but also endows it with a tapestry of textures and dimensions that captivate the senses. In a testament to the wine's grandeur, Michael fearlessly draws parallels between his Chardonnays and the illustrious White Burgundies, reminiscent of the renowned Domaine Leflaive.

Lightly but not excessively reductive on the nose. Already quite expansive on the nose with a beautiful impact on the palate: citrus, blossom, and really neat acidity without much astringency. Elegant and racy – almost lightweight on the mid-palate and then it is impressively persistent. A thorough delight already.