Kumeu River Village 2025

The Brajkovich family founded Kumeu River in 1944 after emigrating from Croatia and establishing a small vineyard northwest of Auckland, New Zealand. Over successive generations, the family has built an international reputation for Chardonnay, combining careful vineyard work with a precise, balanced style. The Village Chardonnay brings together grapes from Kumeu and Hawke’s Bay, where contrasting soils help shape the wine. Kumeu’s clay soils contribute texture, while the limestone-rich soils of the family’s Rays Road vineyard in Hawke’s Bay lend a distinctive mineral edge. The 2025 vintage delivered excellent fruit quality and concentration, producing a Chardonnay with both ripe fruit and refreshing acidity.

Made from 100% Chardonnay, the wine is fermented partly in older French oak barrels and partly in stainless steel. The barrels add richness and a rounded texture without dominating the fruit, while fermentation in steel preserves the wine’s lively citrus character. Expect aromas of lemon, lime and white peach, with hints of fig and a flinty, stony note. The palate is fresh and focused, balanced by a gentle creaminess from full malolactic fermentation and a crisp, cleansing finish. Approachable and versatile, it works beautifully as an aperitif or alongside seafood, grilled fish, roast chicken, creamy pasta or risotto.