91 pts James Suckling August 2021

As always, this has a selection of riper fruit, in the more tropical spectrum of melon and peach. It retains purity well. The palate holds such impressive concentration and hits the mark of freshness. A very strong release, representing real value. Drink now. Screw cap.

91 pts Bob Campbell MW July 2021

An entry-level chardonnay from a top vintage and top producer. Fresh, tangy, bone-dry wine with a silken texture and citrus, toast and subtle oyster-shell and mineral flavours. An affordable wine with character and finesse.

87 pts Vinous November 2020

The 2020 Chardonnay Kumeu Village is the “entry” to New Zealand’s most famous Chardonnay producer’s range. It is clean and precise and focuses on pure fruit, offering flavors of nectarine, red grapefruit and white flowers. While some of the wine has been fermented in French oak, there is very little evidence of oak in terms of aroma and flavor, although the zesty style has had its corners rounded by barrel influence. A bright, crisp Chardonnay for enjoying in youth.

16.5/20 Jancis Robinson MW June 2021

Screwcapped bottle. Blend of hand-picked grapes from Kumeu and the Brajkovich family’s new Rays Road vineyard in Hawke’s Bay. Spontaneous fermentation after whole-bunch pressing. Aged on the lees. Surprisingly rich nose. Fine, appetising, crisp palate with just a little chewiness still evident at this point. There’s a suggestion of sweet grapefruit juice. Really clean, fresh and long. Very Good Value.