Kumeu River Chardonnay Mates Vineyard 2013

Kumeu, Auckland, New ZealandWine Advocate 93+ points!Kumeu River Chardonnay Mat's Vineyard is one of the top wines of New Zealand. Steven Spurrier for Decanter in the UK calls it New Zealand's finest Chardonnay: "Floral tones over superb oak and beautifully structured fruit, this is a great wine in the Burgundian tradition for keeping at least five years." Stephen Bennett, MW, from New Zealand, describes it as "clearly New Zealand's best Chardonnay with a string of outstanding vintages to its name." Indeed, winemaker Michael Brajkovich is himself a Master of Wine (the first Kiwi to achieve this high honor) and he knows how to craft a beautiful white wine gem! Kumeu River Wines was founded in 1944 when Mick and Kat Brajkovich arrived in Kumeu from Dalmatia. Their son Mat planted this new vineyard in 1990 and grapes were first harvested in March 1993, the year after his death. Kumeu is one of the key wine districts of the Auckland wine region in the far northwest of the country. "The 2013 Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay has delicate lime blossom, lemon curd and yuzu with hints of fresh herbs, baker's yeast and chalk dust. Light to medium-bodied and very tightly-knit at this youthful stage, it has fantastic intensity of citrus and mineral flavors with a very long finish."-Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Wine Advocate, 93+ points!Kumeu River Chardonnay Mat's Vineyard is yellow-gold in color with vibrant acidity and a nose of pear, lime, orange and mineral notes. The wine was barrel-fermented in French oak, but the wood is subtle in the Burgundian style. Full-bodied with balanced acidity, it is a velvety Chardonnay with flavors of pears, peaches, citrus, vanilla and hazelnut. It is rich and creamy on the long finish.Enjoy Kumeu River Chardonnay Mat's Vineyard over the next 6-8 years with grilled swordfish, roast chicken, veal and grilled vegetables.

Some sweet rich almost honeyed notes (some botrytis) a light toastiness and lots of spice. Reaches so deep across your palate like being probed then lingers for ever. Seems to have more mineral character than the 2009. Dense but no fat. 18/20 (JH) Jancis Robinson.

Don t look at the label because you would swear you were drinking a well-crafted Chassagne-Montrachet. Bright golden hue. Aromas of spiced caramelized pears and green apples leads to a palate remarkable for its Burgundian creamy cashew nut flavors. The creamy texture is enrobed by a fine spine of acidity that follows through on the incredibly long finish. This wine has shown consistent potential for further development and this release will evolve admirably for the next 3-5 years. Bring on the grilled lobster and drawn butter! Neil Mechanic.

Dont look at the label because you would swear you were drinking a well-crafted Chassagne-Montrachet. Bright, golden hue. Aromas of spiced caramelized pears and green apples leads to a palate remarkable for its Burgundian, creamy cashew nut flavors.... Neil Mechanic. A Chardonnay wine from in New Zealand. 2009 Kumeu River Chardonnay Mates Vineyard 750ml

Aromatic, soft and supple, with honey, butterscotch and toasted brioche notes that are as intense as they appear effortless. This delivers plenty of lemon and pear flavors, with a long finish. Drink now through 2016. 1,000 cases made. --MaryAnn Worob... Wine Spectator. A Chardonnay wine from Auckland in New Zealand. 2009 Kumeu River Chardonnay Mates Vineyard 750ml

91WS no further case discount

Tightly wound with an impressive core of intensity to tangy lemon nectarine and crushed stone flavors. Oak nuances integrate nicely with sea salt and vibrant acidity focusing the lingering finish.