The Still & The VineSchool of Wine & Spirits
Kumeu River Maté’s Vineyard Chardonnay 2021
White WineIssue 23

Kumeu River Maté’s Vineyard Chardonnay 2021

Kumeu River Wines (Brajkovich family) · Kumeu River Wines, Kumeu, Auckland, New Zealand

~$8013.5% proofFrom the Kumeu sub-region of Auckland, New Zealand, this single-vineyard Chardonnay carries the name of Mate Brajkovich—the Croatian immigrant who transformed a small Auckland plot into one of the Southern Hemisphere’s most respected Chardonnay producers.
Kumeu River Maté’s Vineyard is the definitive proof that great Chardonnay can migrate from Burgundy to the Southern Hemisphere without losing its soul.

Kit Aromas

Tasting Notes

Nose

Heady and complex—grapefruit, lemon, and ripe peach lead, backed by coconut-vanilla oak and a distinctive salted-nut character.

Palate

Generous and creamy with remarkable precision. Glossy stone fruit and yuzu brightness are lifted by waves of citrus.

Finish

Long and persistent, with toasted hazelnut, citrus peel, and a mineral freshness that lingers.

Specifications
Blend
100% Chardonnay (Mendoza clone)
Serve & Pair

Cocktail Suggestion

Cocktail — The Dalmatian Spritz: 3 oz Kumeu River Maté’s Vineyard Chardonnay, 1 oz elderflower liqueur (St-Germain), 2 oz sparkling water, expressed lemon peel.

Food Pairing

Pair with: Pan-seared halibut with brown butter, capers, and lemon.

Train These Aromas
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