Kumeu River Mate's Vineyard Chardonnay, Kumeu, New Zealand 2023

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. 

The concentration and density of Mate’s Vineyard shines through in this wine even though the 2023 vintage was lighter with a moderate alcohol of 12.5%. No new oak was used in the vinification due to the lighter yields but there was a high proportion of 1 & 2 year old barrels which means the oak feel to this wine is similar to other vintages The vine age of Mate’s Vineyard, now 33 years, contributes to the inherent quality and reputation of this wine and we are confident that bottle age of up to ten years will be beneficial.