Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay 2024
Related Collection
Origin
Country: New Zealand
Region and Appellation: Kumeu
Product Description
Kumeu River Rays Road Chardonnay 2024 delivers an exciting snapshot of New Zealand terroir. From a stony limestone hillside in Hawke’s Bay, Rays Road is a single-vineyard site, dry-farmed and expertly managed by the Brajkovich family since 2017. The 2024 vintage benefited from a superb growing season, producing grapes with intense concentration and vivid natural acidity.
European Elegance Meets Kiwi Energy
This Chardonnay is whole-bunch pressed and fermented with indigenous yeast in French oak barrels. Eleven months of barrel aging bring roundness and depth, while minimal new oak preserves vibrant fruit and crunchy mineral freshness. The palate is sleek and textured, showing layers of yellow citrus, green apple, Asian pear, and nutty complexity against a backdrop of wet limestone and dried herbs. Finishes long, linear, and fine with spicy undertones and a persistent chalky grip.
Benchmark Quality
2024 is described as more open, opulent, and Chablis-esque than previous releases, reflecting the vintage’s concentrated fruit and crisp drive.
Grape Variety
Chardonnay
Sweetness
Dry
Size
750mL
