This extremely classy single-vineyard wine is Kumeu River’s flagship. It is made entirely from the best of the fruit harvested from Mate’s Vineyard, planted in 1990 on the site of the original Kumeu River vineyard purchased by Mate Brajkovich in 1944. Strikingly similar to Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay, but slightly more opulent and concentrated, it offers the same rich and harmonious flavours of grapefruit, peach and butterscotch, typically with a stronger seasoning of new French oak (about 30 per cent). For winemaker Michael Brajkovich, the hallmark of Mate’s Vineyard is ‘a pear-like character on the nose, with richness and length on the palate after two to three years’. The 2016 vintage (5*) was hand-picked, barrel-fermented and oak-aged for 11 months. Bright, light lemon/green, it is still a baby, with mouthfilling body and vibrant, very youthful, citrusy, peachy flavours, slightly toasty, complex, lively and long. A tightly structured wine with obvious potential, it’s best opened 2020+.
Details
Type: White Wines
Variety: Chardonnay
Vintage: 2016
Overall Rating for All Vintages Tasted: ★★★★★ – 5 Stars
Price: $70 NZD
Sweetness: DRY
Value for Money: AV
Buyer’s Guide Edition: 2018
This wine is a Super Classic.
When to drink: 2020