Chardonnay
75cl * 13.5% ABV * Auckland, New Zealand
Kumeu River has long been regarded as a serious contender against white Burgundy, and the 2024 vintage truly shows why. Despite reduced yields - with 40% of crops lost during the springtime - the growing season that followed was warm and dry, allowing for slow, even ripening and excellent concentration in the low yield of fruit that remained.
Rays Road is the Brajkovich family’s limestone-rich site in Hawkes Bay, a north-facing slope that acts as a unique counterpoint to the clay-based vineyards around Kumeu itself. The 2024 Rays Road Chardonnay shows more weight and definition than in previous vintages, with a nose of ripe stone fruit, citrus zest and minerality. On the palate, there is good texture and depth, with juicy fruit, lively acidity and a distinctive salinity. Wild-yeast fermentation and eleven months in oak have added subtle layers of spice and complexity without overpowering the purity of fruit.
Compared to the Estate Chardonnay, Rays Road shows more tension and focus, with an almost Chablis-like flintiness, but carries the same generosity and charm that have made Kumeu River’s wines so sought-after. Drink from 2026 to 2033.
'The 2024 Rays Road Chardonnay leads with a spicy, almost exotic nose, while the palate strides in smooth, sleek movements. This is creamy and a little nutty, and there are wet limestone notes in the mouth, alongside yellow citrus and layers of dried herbs, cracked fennel seeds, ginger root and fruit flavors. A lovely wine, it's weighted on the back palate and long through the finish. I tasted this as a tank sample prior to filtration and bottling. The Ray's Road vineyard is on a limestone base and has been significantly worked and replanted since the Kumeu River purchase in 2021.' 94-94 pts Erin Larkin, Wine Advocate
Mid to deep greenish gold. Toasty and glamorous on the nose. They aim to make a Chablis style because it's all limestone so very lively and tense. I'd say the acidity isn't as pronounced as a typical Chablis. Real grip on the palate. Very long with lots of tension. 17 pts, Jancis Robinson