Kumeu Village Chardonnay 2017 comes from the producer who beat Burgundy at its own game.
In 2014 London based distributor organized a blind tasting with the best palates, critics and wine writers in the world. Kumeu's Maté's, Coddington, Hunting Hill, and Estate Chardonnay went against a range of Premier Cru and Village Burgundies from the best producers. Kumeu triumphed over top white Burgundies in every flight apart from one, where it came first equal.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we may receive an affiliate commission.
Kumeu River Winery
Kumeu River winery is the story of an immigrant family from Croatia, who have built up one of the best wineries in New Zealand.
Founded in 1944 by Mick Brajkovich, wife Katé, and son Maté, Kumeu River was one of the early pioneers in Auckland, New Zealand, to establish its reputation as a world-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.
- They have been testing and championing screw cap closures for close to 20 years.
- The winery has gone on to become the globally recognized benchmark for non-Burgundy produced Chardonnay.
Kumeu Village Chardonnay 2017 Tasting Notes
Kumeu Village Chardonnay 2017 is from the Village series of Kumeu River wines. It receives the same level of the care and attention shown to the Estate and Single Vineyard wines but at a more modest price range.
Kumeu Village Chardonnay is made from sustainably grown grapes that are hand-harvested, fermented using only wild yeast with extended maturation on yeast lees, and bottled in Kumeu cellars.
Fermented 80% in old French oak barriques and 20% in stainless steel tanks, there is very little oak influence on either nose or palate.
In the Glass
Kumeu Village has aromas and flavors of yellow apple, lemon skin, peach, white blossom, fresh-cut grass, and minerality.
It's a well-structured wine with refreshing acidity, yet it not as austere like some Chablis can be.
Finish
When we tasted 2017 Kumeu Village, we thought of both Chablis because of its refreshing and clean profile, and Burgundy for its balanced palate.
While 2017 Village is an entry-level Chardonnay from Kumeu River, we can see why this producer is recognized globally and serves as a benchmark for age-worthy Chardonnay outside of Burgundy.
We look forward to tasting its entire Kumeu River Chardonnay line up of 2018 Estate, and you might do too!