Kumeu River
Village Chardonnay, New Zealand
Village Chardonnay is produced from grapes grown in both Kumeu and Hawke's Bay. The wine undergoes partial barrel fermentation which provides some richness but very little oak in influence. Combined with tank fermentation, this allows the vibrant fruit to show through beautifully with lively lime and lemon aromas and a flinty, mineral edginess with hints of fig and white peach.
Produced from grapes grown in the regions of Kumeu and Hawkes Bay. The vineyard area between both regions covers 14 hectares. The vines were planted between 1989 – 2016. Clay soils in Kumeu; Limestone soils in Hawke’s Bay.
- Region
- Kumeu
- Appellation
- Kumeu
- Varietal Composition
- Chardonnay
- Aging
- 30% in neutral, 5+ year old barrels and 70% in stainless steel tank.
- Alcohol
- 13.41%
Beautiful fruit aromas, flavors, and concentration. The Rays Road vineyard in Hawke's Bay contributed to the final blend, imparting a distinctive limestone edginess. The moderate alcohol level provides freshness with a lovely flinty texture. Citrus elements of Chardonnay shine through, culminating in a refreshingly crisp acid finish. This wine is delightful as an apéritif and even better when paired with seafood.
Wine Advocate
91 Points
2025
The 2025 Village Chardonnay leads with banana and crushed cashew, musk sticks and preserved lemon. The palate is silky and full of flavor, and although not as complex or weighty as the other Chardonnay cuvées from this iconic New Zealand producer, it offers sensational intensity and value for money. This comes recommended, as usual. 13.3% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.
— Erin Larkin, 2026
Wine Advocate
91 Points
2025
"The 2025 Village Chardonnay leads with banana and crushed cashew, musk sticks and preserved lemon. The palate is silky and full of flavor, and although not as complex or weighty as the other Chardonnay cuvées from this iconic New Zealand producer, it offers sensational intensity and value for money. This comes recommended, as usual. 13.3% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."
— Erin Larkin, 2026
