Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay 2024

Kumeu River is considered one of the best producers of Chardonnay in New Zealand.

Rays Road in Hawkes Bay was purchased by Kumeu River in 2017 from John Hancock of Trinity Hills; the vineyard was mainly planted to Sauvignon Blanc a the time but has gradually been replanted to Chardonnay and some Pinot Noir.

Owner Michael Brajkovich MW is on record of saying that the Rays Road vineyard continues to improve as the new plantings gain maturity. Ripening is pretty much in parallel with Kumeu, which made for a busy time in the winery for an intense period of pressing and fermenting, but they are now receiving significant quantities of Chardonnay from these new plantings.

Evolving and getting a Chablis style chalky note, fresh clean stone fruit with a mineral flinty feel, delicate hint of guava, this wine is made in older aged barrels allowing the fruit to shine.

Food pairing suggestion: Classic roast chicken, or a creamy monkfish stew.