Nestled to the northwest of Auckland, Kumeu River undeniably claims its place as the quintessential chardonnay producer in New Zealand. The realm of chardonnay mastery finds its virtuoso in the form of Master of Wine and winemaker, Michael Brajkovich, who has artfully honed his craft at this estate since the 1980s. Meticulously curated, the process commences with the delicate curation of hand-picked fruits from low-yielding vines, followed by a rigorous selection process.

The alchemy unfolds with whole bunch pressing, where the symbiotic dance of wild yeasts is invited to orchestrate the transformation. A symphony of flavors flourishes within French oak barriques, as the wine undergoes an exclusive fermentation journey, culminating in the embrace of full malolactic fermentation. This tender transformation not only tempers the wine's pristine acidity but also endows it with a tapestry of textures and dimensions that captivate the senses. In a testament to the wine's grandeur, Michael fearlessly draws parallels between his Chardonnays and the illustrious White Burgundies, reminiscent of the renowned Domaine Leflaive.

Hand-harvested and treated with reverence, each grape is a testament to the artistry of our process. The grapes are gently whole-bunch pressed, coaxing out their essence with utmost care. We entrust the transformation to the alchemy of indigenous yeast fermentation, allowing nature's touch to guide the journey. With unwavering dedication, the wine is ushered into a 100% barrel fermentation, followed by a complete malolactic transformation, fostering a symphony of flavors.

From the sun-kissed Kumeu vineyards arises a Chardonnay blend that embodies the epitome of ripeness, infusing notes of peach that dance on the palate. This wine is not solely a delight to savor but also a testament to its meticulous crafting. Its essence is one of concentration, a lingering complexity that has become the hallmark of our craft.