Chardonnay, Maté’s Vineyard, Kumeu – 2010
-
Vineyard Profile
-
In 1990, Maté Brajkovich reworked the land at Kumeu River and planted a new vineyard of Chardonnay on the site of the family’s original vineyard, purchased in 1944. The first harvest from these new vines was in March 1993, the year following Maté’s death. The 6-acre vineyard was named Maté’s Vineyard in his honor, and the resulting single-vineyard wine was first released in November 1994 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Brajkovich family’s arrival in Kumeu.
- Location: Kumeu is a sub-region of the Auckland wine district. Despite being situated well north of New Zealand’s other viticultural regions, Kumeu’s climate is kept cool due to its close proximity to the Tasman Sea, just 20 kilometers (nearly 12.5 miles) to the west, and the Pacific Ocean 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) to the east. These two large bodies of water generate clouds, keeping peak summer temperatures below 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit).
-
-
Vintage Report
-
A spring frost caused a significant loss of fruit, followed by an equally difficult flowering period leading to fewer berries per bunch. As a result, yields were only about 50 percent of normal. Very low rainfall throughout the growing season and lovely, warm ripening conditions towards the end led to a small but beautiful crop of Chardonnay.
-
-
Vinification
-
Whole-bunch pressed
- Fermentation: Indigenous yeast
- Malolactic: 100%
- Barrel Fermentation: 100%
- Barrel Aging: 12 months in French oak
-
-
Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
-
Tasting Notes
-
The Mate’s Vineyard Chardonnay is usually the most reserved and unyielding when young and this is even more so with the 2010 vintage. The nose is very closed, giving just hints of the Golden Queen peach and mineral notes expected from Mate’s Vineyard. On the palate however, the flavor is very concentrated and distinctly richer than the other 2010 wines, but maintaining a perfect balance and freshness that sets this wine apart and makes it wonderful. It is difficult to think of a better vintage ever of Mate’s Vineyard than the 2010.
-
Images
Reviews
-
Chardonnay, Maté’s Vineyard, Kumeu – 2010 – 96 points – jamessuckling.com
“…discreetly complex chardonnay that really chisels with air. The palate has a very assertive core of acidity, the fruit remains fleshy and supple, the power and elegance are impressive and the citrus and cool stone fruit flavors close things off.”
-
Chardonnay, Maté’s Vineyard, Kumeu – 2010 – 93 points, Cellar Selection – Wine Enthusiast
"...Consistent acid line and persistent finish, while retaining all of the typical Chardonnay flourishes. Roastednut notes impart an almost nougat-like nuance to the fruit flavors of citrus and white peach."
-
Chardonnay, Maté’s Vineyard, Kumeu – 2010 – 92 points – Wine & Spirits
“It contrasts the oak flavor of its native yeast fermentation in barrel with the spiciness of chardonnay skins, and melds the creaminess of full malolactic fermentation with fresh acidity that has the snap of parsnips."
-
Chardonnay, Maté’s Vineyard, Kumeu – 2010 – 91 points – Wine Spectator
"Sleek and crisp, this white offers complex and detailed notes of toasted coconut, apple pie, spice and lime zest, complementing the core of pure lemon, melon and peach flavors. Drink now through 2020."