Kumeu River, northwest of Auckland is without a doubt NZ’s finest chardonnay producer. Master of Wine and Winemaker Michael Brajkovich has been crafting fine chardonnay at the estate since the 1980s. Handpicked fruit and vigorous selection from the low-yielding vines, whole bunch pressed wild yeasts, a third of the fruit fermented in French oak barriques, and full malolactic fermentation to soften the pristine acidity and add texture and dimension. Not surprising Michael is not shy in comparing his Chardonnays with the great White Burgundies like Domaine Leflaive!

“If you can taste history, duty, and family pride in a glass, it’s there in the Kumeu River Chardonnays … some of New Zealand’s greatest Chardonnays, not to mention the world’s.” Lisa Perrotti-Brown, MW, The Wine Advocate

“If these aren’t the best chardonnays in New Zealand (and some of the best in the world), I’d like to see what could roll them.” Huon Hooke

Critics James Suckling and Nick Stock have awarded a perfect score to 2020 Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay. This is only the second New Zealand wine to receive 100/100 from JamesSuckling.com

"We are not going to be shy about it. We just gave a perfect score to a New Zealand chardonnay – Kumeu River Chardonnay Kumeu Mate’s Vineyard 2020. Both Contributing Editor Nick Stock and I have been saying for years that chardonnay from New Zealand is amazing, and the perfect wine has
finally arrived.