WINERY Family owned and operated since 1944 by the Brajkovich family, Kumeu River was one of the early pioneers in Auckland, New Zealand and helped establish its reputation as a word-class wine region. Still family owned and run, Kumeu River continues to pioneer new frontiers: winemaker Michael Brajkovich became New Zealand’s first member of the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine, London.

WINE This wine is produced from Kumeu Rivers single vineyard located outside of the region of Kumeu. 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 property is located far inland of Hawke’s Bay in a lesser known sub-region and at a uniquely high elevation. It is quite exposed to the elements but these conditions seem to perfectly challenge the vines. The family are very happy with the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir they receive off this dry farmed site annually.

Rays Road is Kumeu River’s vineyard site in Hawkes Bay that was purchased in 2017. This limestone hillside is at 180 m altitude, with a northerly aspect. It is dry-farmed to yield high quality grapes for this single vineyard wine.

The 2023 vintage in Hawkes Bay was affected by cyclone Gabrielle and Rays Road was lucky to be at 180 meters elevation to avoid any flooding. The vintage was still tricky however with cooler temperatures and less ripeness that usual. Having said that we believe the 2023 Rays Road Chardonnay is the finest we have made from this vineyard to date.

Fruit was hand-harvested, whole bunch pressed and fermented with indigenous yeast in older French Oak barrels. After malolactic fermentation is complete, the wine is then matured for 11 months in French oak.

The aroma immediately reveals the limestone flintiness and citrus that this vineyard is known for. The palate is concentrated and has a density we haven’t seen before.