Bob McDonald

9.3

Some flinty funky notes to begin with. On the medium weight palate more stone fruit than citrus. I don’t have enough experience with Kumeu River to distinguish the different Chardonnay Cuvées but from Coddington, Hunters Hill, Maté’s Vineyard and the Estate, Mate’s is generally considered the best. I notice now there is a new Chardonnay Cuvée called Rays Road. This is restrained with just the right amount of intensity. A class act from Michael Brajkovich MW and the Brajkovich family. Michael was New Zealand’s first Master of Wine. An outstanding new world Chardonnay. — 5 months ago

Bob McDonald

9.2

Trying to think which Australian regions produce Chardonnay like this and I would say Margaret River - like Art Series Chardonnay. An excellent new World Chardie - see previous notes. Well balanced oak with stone fruit notes skilfully made by Michael Brajkovich MW. — a year ago

Nate Redner

9.0

Rooftop juice. Mineral driven, funky at first, honeycomb, apricot, slate, oregano, white pepper. — 10 years ago

with Michael

Bob McDonald

9.5

An excellent example of how good New Zealand Chardonnays have become. Lemony Mineral Mealy with a touch of Flint. Could be a top quality Premier Cru. The winemaker and owner Michael Brajkovich MW gave an illuminating presentation at Pinot Noir NZ 17 on indigenous yeast fermentations which in his experience results in the yeast character to fade into the background allowing the grape and the terroir to come to the fore. — 7 years ago