Kumeu River
Ray's Road Chardonnay, Hawkes Bay
Rays Road is one of Kumeu River’s 4 single-vineyard Chardonnays. This wine is produced from Kumeu River’s only single vineyard located outside the Kumeu region. They purchased the Rays Road vineyard in 2017, which was established in 2008 by Pascal Jolivet from Sancerre, France, and Trinity Hill of New Zealand.
This limestone hillside in the Hawke’s Bay wine region is at 180 m altitude, with a northerly aspect. The site is quite exposed to the elements, but these conditions seem to perfectly challenge the vines. It is dry-farmed to yield high-quality grapes for wine under the Rays Road designation.
- Region
- Kumeu
- Appellation
- Kumeu
- Varietal Composition
- Chardonnay
- Aging
- 11 months in French oak barrels.
- Alcohol
- 13.5%
White flowers and lemon on the nose, with rich texture and vibrant acidity on the palate. The aroma immediately reveals the limestone flintiness and citrus that this vineyard is known for.
James Suckling
96 Points
2025
Aromas of crushed stone and flint with subtle apple and transparency on the nose. Medium-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and a long, tangy finish. Vibrant and vivid chardonnay. Drink now. Screw cap.
— James Suckling, 2026
James Suckling
96 Points
2025
"Aromas of crushed stone and flint with subtle apple and transparency on the nose. Medium-bodied, with a solid core of fruit and a long, tangy finish. Vibrant and vivid chardonnay. Drink now. Screw cap."
— James Suckling, 2026
