“If Michael Brajkovich MW were a Burgundian rather than a New Zealander, he would be among the most celebrated white winemakers in the Côte de Beaune.” Tim Atkin MW
“The first vintage of Village Chardonnay I tasted was from the 2002 vintage and it has been my ‘house Chardonnay’ ever since.” Bob Campbell MW
The 2025 vintage enjoyed an excellent growing season and a dry harvest, yielding wines of outstanding quality. Warm, steady weather fostered balance and purity of flavor. Dry conditions and moderate yields added opulence and texture to the resulting wine.
42% of Kumeu River’s Village Chardonnay grapes came from Kumeu while Hawkes Bay supplied 58% of the blend. It’s not always the case that both regions see such incredible quality in a growing season but 2025 was a standout year. The fruit from both regions displayed remarkable site character, giving this wine both texture and finesse. Indigenous fermentation occurred in 5 year old French oak barrels and barriques (38% of the blend) and stainless steel tanks (62% of the blend). The barrel fermentation provided richness without much oak influence while the tank fermentation allowed vibrant fruit to stream through beautifully.
For lovers of Burgundy but not its sticker price, this Kiwi Chardonnay is an exceptional alternative.
Tasting Note
Lively lime and lemon aromas flit across the nose of the 2025 Kumeu River’s Village Chardonnay. Bound with a distinct stony flintiness, hints of fig and white peach float through the palate to a refreshingly crisp finish.
Food Pairing
A roast chicken with a lemony pan sauce and roasted potatoes immediately springs to mind. If you slather the chicken in a mixture of butter and lemon before roasting, you’ll be rewarded with an elegant match to this medium-bodied wine. However, simply squeezing some lemon into a pan sauce will also do the trick to echo the citrus in the 2025 Kumeu River’s Village Chardonnay.