Frequently referred to as the globally recognized benchmark for non-Burgundy produced Chardonnay, Kumeu River has always debuted wines known for their complexity and sophistication, and the 2020 vintage is no exception. Releasing September 1st in our Fall Luxury Offering, the wines have already been lauded by Jancis Robinson, James Suckling and Vinous, with Robinson writing about the Maté’s Vineyard, “I must say the nose made me think involuntarily of some Corton-Charlemagnes. Really precise and mealy with perfect balance.” The 2020 Maté’s Chardonnay also boasts a 100-point score from Suckling and a 97-points from Vinous. Kumeu’s distinctive style of Chardonnay is heavily influenced by the use of wild yeast fermentations and extended lees aging in French oak barrels.

Winemaker and New Zealand’s First Master of Wine, Michael Brajkovich refers to the 2020’s as “a superlative vintage that sets a new benchmark.” The 2020 season opened after a wet winter with a warm dry spring that accelerated flowering and fruit set, and the lack of rain continued throughout the season, producing an early ripening and a harvest with perfectly matured grapes. As always, each vineyard was given unique attention, and the winemaking team noted that the Hawkes Bay vineyards, which are the most recent addition to Kumeu River’s properties, produced the best fruit yet.

The Estate Chardonnay, which is made from six distinct vineyard sites, also experienced particularly exceptional conditions, and Antonio Galloni calls it “well constructed, satisfying, and elegant.” The wines are still very young and will continue to age for up to a decade or more, bringing out even more intricacy of aroma and structure. We’re excited to continue to bring you the best of this world-renowned winery!