I struck a deal to clear out the last of the vintage... since yuo have already bought, I figure you should reap the rewards, right? 

Kumeu River Village Chardonnay 2018

Sale $17.99 / Was on Sale $19.99

93 pts Wine Enthusiast

I adore the Chardonnay from Kumeu River, yet it has been three years since I have seen them. When the importer told me they were available in limited supply, and did I want to try them, I jumped for joy! There was the 95 pt single-vineyard Coddington 2015 and this entry-level offering. Wow! I have never been so impressed with their “entry-level” offering!

The “secret” is, that in 2017, the Brajkovich family acquired a vineyard site in Hawke’s Bay. You see, the Kumeu region that has been home to their family since 1937 produces somewhat “tight” almost “austere” Chardonnay. Very much like Puligny-Montrachet, these Chards typically need some time in bottle to open up. Hawke’s Bay, with its abundant sunshine and more temperate climate, offered somewhat opulent wines. Think Chassagne-Montrachet, or Puilly Fuisse. The blending that is the result is nothing short of stunning. For $19.99, I will be buying a case… closing my eyes and pretending it is $50 Burgundy. (Not hard to do.) You think the Burgundy comparison is hyperbole? In 2014, critics from Decanter magazine gathered to taste Kumeu's Maté's, Coddington, Hunting Hill and Estate Chardonnay's blind against a range of Premier Cru and Village Burgundies from the best producers.  Kumeu triumphed over top white Burgundies in every flight apart from one, where it came first equal. Against the likes of Domaine Leflaive AOC and 1er Cru, Drouhin 1er Cru Pucelles, Carillon 1er Champ Canet, Suazet AOC and others, the Kumeu Chards didn’t just hold their own, they rose to the top!

“When compared with the almost severe austerity of this renowned Chardonnay producer's upper-tier wines, this entry-level one is downright boisterous. Bright gold in hue, it billows melon and stone fruit with undertones of honey and sea salt. The palate crunches with crystalline acidity wrapped up in texture that is simultaneously slippery and powdery, with a long, salt-flecked finish. Drink now and over the next few years.” WE

“This is a wine where we always have a bottle in the fridge. The perfect aperitif Chardonnay this wine also goes very well with all types of seafood. Fermented 80% in old French oak barriques, and 20% in stainless steel tanks there is very little oak influence on either nose or palate. This has allowed the vibrant fruit to show through beautifully with lively lime and lemon aromas and a flinty, mineral edginess with hints of fig and white peach.” Winery note


Or reply. The wine will be available Wednesday in Chapel Hill. Friday, as ordered, in Hillsborough.