Kumeu River - The Talk of The Town

Kumeu River, a thirty hectare estate on the outskirts of Auckland, New Zealand, is the talk of the town. Critics, somms, merchants and drinkers are all raving about these scintillating Chardonnays. Jancis Robinson is even asking, only half tongue-in-cheek, 'Do we need white Burgundy?'.

It's certainly true that these wines bear uncanny resemblance to some of the most hallowed wines of the Côte d'Or. In countless blind tastings, they not only hold their own against their Burgundian cousins, they triumph! It's the product of decades of tireless work by the Brajkovich family, one of the original pioneers of the New Zealand wine industry.

Now is the time to try Kumeu River for yourself and the deliciously supple 2016 vintage provides the perfect place to start. Among the single vineyard bottlings, the 'Coddington' is open, peachy and luscious; the 'Hunting Hill' has more of a citrus blossom fragrance and Puligny-like zip; 'Maté's', the jewel in the crown, has immense concentration within a beautifully crystalline frame. The 'Estate' and 'Village' bottlings are no also-rans. They are testament to the outstanding quality of this terroir and the scale of the Brajkovich genius. Even the most ardent Burgundy enthusiast cannot help but be impressed.

Ordering & Availability

These wines are all available now duty paid. Mainland UK delivery is free for orders over £100. For in bond pricing and availability please email or call your local shop or L&S contact.

"These wines really should be on the radar of any value-conscious white burgundy lover. "
Jancis Robinson MW, www.jancisrobinson.com

"Kumeu River - an Auckland pearl"
Julia Harding MW, www.jancisrobinson.com

"If you have never tried these wines, then it is time you see for yourself what New Zealand is capable of"
Neal Martin, www.robertparker.com