2023 Kumeu River "Rays Road" Chardonnay, Kumeu, New Zealand

The 2023 vintage in Hawkes Bay was affected by cyclone Gabrielle and Rays Road was lucky to be at 180 meters elevation to avoid any flooding. The vintage was still tricky however with cooler temperatures and less ripeness that usual. Rays Road is one of Kumeu River's 4 single vineyard Chardonnays. This Chardonnay was hand-harvested, whole bunch pressed and fermented with wild yeast in older French Oak barrels to give a wine that is zesty and fragrant, with mineral complexity that is very true to its site.

This wine is produced from Kumeu River's only single vineyard located outside of the region of Kumeu. They purchased the Rays Road vineyard in 2017, which was established in 2008 by Pascal Jolivet from Sancerre, France and Trinity Hill of New Zealand. This property is located far inland of Hawke’s Bay in a lesser known sub-region and at a uniquely high elevation. It is quite exposed to the elements but these conditions seem to perfectly challenge the vines.

ABOUT THIS PRODUCER

Founded in 1944 by Mick Brajkovich, wife Katé and son Maté, Kumeu River was one of the early pioneers in Auckland, New Zealand, that helped 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, and has been testing and championing screw cap closures for close to 20 years.