Chardonnay, Maté’s Vineyard, Kumeu – 2005
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Introduction
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In 1990, Maté Brajkovich reworked the land at Kumeu River and planted a new vineyard of Chardonnay vines on the site of the original vineyard that he and his family purchased in March 1944. The first grapes from this vineyard were harvested in March 1993, the year following Maté’s death. The resulting wine was released in November 1994 to coincide with the 50th Anniversary of the Brajkovich family’s arrival at Kumeu River. This is Kumeu River’s (and arguably, New Zealand’s) finest Chardonnay, limited in production, elegant and very long-lived.
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Vineyard Profile
- Vine Age: 16 years
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Vinification
- Fermentation: Indigenous yeast
- Malolactic: 100% malolactic
- Barrel Fermentation: 100% in barrel
- Barrel Aging: 12 months in oak (30% new)
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
- Production Case Pack: 12/750ml
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Tasting Notes
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Yields in 2005 were down because of a spring frost in September 2004, resulting in a deeply-concentrated wine. The lovely late-summer weather allowed the berries to ripen nicely, as well as produce the lifted peach aromas that are typical in Maté’s Vineyard fruit.
On the palate, the wine is restrained and needs some time in bottle to unfold, but the extra concentration and length of flavor that are the hallmarks of this wine are present now. This is a wine that will benefit from 4–6 years of bottle age.
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Images
Reviews
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Chardonnay, Maté’s Vineyard, Kumeu – 2005 – 90 points – The Wine Advocate
“…has definition and minerality on the nose with vibrant acidity on the palate, notes of lime, white peach and orange zest, finishing slightly reserved.”
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Chardonnay, Maté’s Vineyard, Kumeu – 2005 – 92 points – Wine Spectator
“Open-knit, with outstanding depth and balance to the medley of pear, mineral, toasty walnut and hazelnut flavors. Lemony acidity serves up a lively counterpoint to the oak tones, harmonizing on the finish.”