Kumeu River
Maté’s Vineyard Chardonnay, Kumeu
In 1990, Maté Brajkovich reworked the land and planted a new vineyard of Chardonnay vines on the site of the original vineyard that he and his family planted in March 1944. The first grapes from the replant were harvested in March 1993, the year following Maté’s death. The resulting wine was released in November 1994 to coincide with celebrations marking the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Brajkovich Family’s arrival at Kumeu River.
Maté’s vineyard is Kumeu River’s lowest-lying vineyard and oldest vineyard site. It has a very sheltered position and faces north to the sun. Planted exclusively with the Mendoza clone, this vineyard is affected by grapevine leafroll, resulting in exceptionally low yields and a slower ripening cycle. The winery values the distinct character this imparts, with the site consistently producing Chardonnay marked by vivid confectionery notes—caramel, candied orange rind, and remarkable intensity.
- Region
- Kumeu
- Appellation
- Kumeu
- Varietal Composition
- Chardonnay
- Aging
- 11 months in French oak barrels; 30% new
- Alcohol
- 13.7%
The Mate’s Vineyard continues the exceptional quality of this 35-year-old site, with the density, concentration, and length expected from a top vintage. Bright lemony acidity adds freshness, while the nose remains reserved for now and will gain complexity with bottle age.
Wine Advocate
96 Points
“Scents of hazelnut, mocha and lime-custard crème brûlée appear on the nose of the 2019 Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay. Complex and compelling, it's undoubtedly one of Kumeu River's top recent efforts. Medium to full-bodied, plump and generous on the palate, yet marked by zesty acids and a bright, citrusy finish, it's wonderfully balanced and drinkable now, yet it should age effortlessly for at least a decade.”
— Joe Czerwinski, 2021
Wine Enthusiast
93 Points
“This wine opens with heady aromas of grapefruit, lemon, and peach, backed by coconut-and-vanilla oak and salted-nut characteristics. The generous palate is creamy and toasty but it never loses the precision or fruit purity. Long, layered, and fresh, this wine could be drunk now but will play its best hand in the years to come.”
— Christina Pickard, 2021
