KUMEU RIVER CHARDONNAY MATE'S 2022

Chardonnay at this level from New Zealand remains genuinely rare — Mate's Vineyard is one of the few single-site bottlings outside Burgundy consistently held in the same conversation as premier cru white Burgundy. Kumeu River farms these West Auckland clay-loam soils organically, and the cool Tasman Sea influence keeps acidity sharp despite the region's warmth. Whole-bunch pressing and barrel fermentation build texture without heaviness, landing white peach, pineapple, preserved citrus, and curry leaf on the nose, then a sapid, saline mid-palate with long citrus-pith finish. Sealed under screw cap at 13% ABV.