KUMEU RIVER Estate Chardonnay 2020

(Kumeu, New Zealand) $30

Everyone knows New Zealand as Sauvignon Blanc territory, but the country known for the freshness and expressiveness of their wines also makes some fantastic Chardonnays.  The very best of those are made by the winery Kumeu River. If you love Chardonnay, I promise you’ll be knocked out by the Kumeu River wines. The estate Chardonnay has a scrumptious chalky/vanillay richness and saline minerality that’s reminiscent of Grand Cru Chablis (at a fraction of the price).  The sense of purity in the wine is evident in every sip. Slightly more expensive is the Kumeu River “Coddington” Chardonnay ($48), which I think of as the “Kistler” of New Zealand for its depth, power, and can’t-wait-to-take-another-sip appeal. Kumeu River is owned by the Brajkovich family, who came to New Zealand from Croatia in 1937. Winemaker Michael Brajkovich is New Zealand’s first Master of Wine. (13.5% abv)

95 points KM

Available at Vivino