Its Origins
In 1938 Maté Brajkovich arrived in New Zealand with his parents, who settled in Kumeu and in 1944 bought a small vineyard which would later become Kumeu River wines. For a few decades Maté mostly made simple fortified and sparkling wines. It wasn't until 1982 however, when Matés son Michael took over, that the wines would really start to turn heads. Michael and his siblings began to transform the vineyard and vinification practices to more considered, traditional ways, with hand harvesting, improved drainage, judicious use of oak and only using the wild yeast present in the vineyard to bring a sharper definition of terroir into the wines. Matés vineyard is the original land bought in 1944, re-planted by Maté just before his death with low-yielding Mendoza clone Chardonnay in 1990.
What The Critics Say
95/100 Cameron Douglas MS
"Just a touch closed in the first minute then the wine begins to unfurl with dramatic aromas of citrus and cashew, white peach and mineral, honeysuckle and baking spices. The bouquet is soft, fresh, varietal and captivating. On the palate - nothing short of amazing - with a precise and intentional texture of vibrant if not quivering layers of acidity and fruit, spice and oak. Fantastic wine with the perfect measure of oak, a light citrus tang and lengthy finish." Drink 2020 - 2025+
94/100 Bob Campbell MW (2018 vintage)
"Attractive, aromatic chardonnay with stone fruit, citrus and spicy oak flavours. Attractive wine with subtle fruit sweetness and a lingering finish. A stylish wine that achieves remarkable consistency."
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If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.