In 1990, Maté Brajkovich reworked the land and planted a new vineyard of Chardonnay vines on the site of the original vineyard that he and his family purchased in March 1944. The first grapes from this vineyard were harvested in March 1993, the year following Maté's death. The resulting wine was released in November 1994 to coincide with celebrations marking the Fiftieth Anniversary of the Brajkovich Family's arrival at Kumeu River.
This release marks the 30th vintage for Mate’s Vineyard and continues the amazing run of vintages we have had with this vineyard. The conditions during the 2022 harvest were superb and the fruit from Mate’s Vineyard was ripe and pristine.

The resulting wine shows the density, concentration and length that we expect and even though it is somewhat shy on the nose, with bottle age the full palette of complex aromas and bouquet of this wonderful wine will shine through. A fitting 30th vintage.

Hand harvested Whole-bunch pressed Indigenous yeast fermentation 100% barrel fermentation 100% malo-lactic fermentation 11 months maturation in barrel

The Kumeu River Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 presents itself with a captivating pale gold hue, hinting at the opulent experience to come. With each sip, a beautiful tapestry of flavors unfurls on the palate, showcasing vibrant orchard fruits like ripe peaches and crisp apples. These fruity notes dance harmoniously alongside zesty citrus undertones, creating a symphony of taste that captivates the senses. Layers of toasty oak, carefully imparted by the judicious use of French oak barrels, contribute depth and richness to the wine while preserving its inherent beauty. Right from the start, the outstanding texture and velvety smoothness of Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay become evident, gliding effortlessly across the palate. Every sip leaves a lasting impression, highlighting the exceptional craftsmanship behind this wine. The flavors seamlessly interplay with a well-integrated backbone of acidity, achieving an impeccable sense of balance that elevates the wine's character. From hand-harvesting to indigenous yeast fermentation and 100% barrel fermentation, every aspect of the winemaking process has been meticulously considered, lending complexity to the wine. The influence of the 11 months of maturation in barrel further refines the wine, allowing it to develop a concentration and lingering complexity that define Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay. Following three previous outstanding harvests, the 2022 vintage continues the legacy of excellence. On the nose, the wine reveals the anticipated aromas of ripe peach and nuttiness that are characteristic of the Estate Chardonnay from Kumeu River. The supple texture is complemented by a pleasing bracing acidity on the finish, further enhancing the overall drinking experience. While the Kumeu River Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 is undeniably delightful to enjoy at present, it also possesses the capacity for graceful aging, living up to the pedigree of its predecessors. This high-quality Chardonnay promises beautiful moments over the next 6+ years, rewarding those who choose to savour its elegance and complexity.

Edit this Article