Encompassing over 30 hectares of pristine land just outside of Auckland, Kumeu River has been the acclaimed and passionate project of Michael Brajkovich, New Zealand's first ever Master of Wine, since 1982. Begun by his father Maté and grandparents Mick and Kate, who emigrated from Croatia in the early 1940s, these vineyards and their ocean-influenced climate have flourished through decades-long dedication to a Burgundian-style approach. Almost from the get-go, Michael made a conscious choice to include indigenous yeasts, full barrel fermentation and extensive lees aging, aiming for wines of grip, carry and endless textural depth. More than perhaps any other 'new-world' name, their Chardonnays are regularly mistaken for French ones at professional blind tastings! The predominantly heavy clay soils of the area are famous for retaining ample water over time, removing the need for irrigation and providing consistent vine hydration, even in the driest of seasons.
We're thrilled to report we'll have Michael in the shop next week, Wednesday 19th evening from 5 through to 7pm, pouring the brand new releases from the superb 2025 season! Once again, this fabulous team have produced a memorable row of distinct and purposeful Chardonnay, with labels like the Estate and Rays Road pushing exotic florals and citric zest, the Coddington harnessing savoury saline bite, the Hunting Hill showing oaky hints of oatmeal and hazelnut, and their top dog Maté's Vineyard a riveting assortment of intense fruit concentration and a long finish of flint and chalk. We'll also have on pour special back-vintages from 2019 and 2017, as a bit of a special treat!
These wines are set for official release soon after our Wednesday tasting (making it quite the exciting preview), so for any long-term collectors or newcomers looking to jump into Kumeu's many charms, please use the links below to email us any pre-order desired, with all on special price offers for the coming week only.
We hope you can come make Michael feel welcome, and join us in celebrating a house doing the southern hemisphere very proud!
2025 Vintage Note -
'The growing season overall was excellent, with mostly dry and warm conditions. The temperatures remained consistently warm throughout, with only two peaks over 28°C: one in December, and again in February. This steady warmth without extremes was ideal for developing fruit aromas and flavours. The dry conditions and moderate yields have contributed richness and texture to the mix, resulting in an outstanding Vintage in 2025.' - Michael Brajkovich MW
If interested in any below, please email your order through to sales@thewineemporium.com.au
Estate Chardonnay 2025
$49 on special this week ($56 RRP)
Rays Road Chardonnay 2025
$49 on special this week ($55 RRP)
Coddington Chardonnay 2025
$86 on special this week ($99 RRP)
Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2025
$105 on special this week ($119 RRP)
(Limited availability)
Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay 2025
$110 on special this week ($125 RRP)
(Limited availability)
We will also be showing special back-vintages of:
2019 Hunting Hill Chardonnay
2017 Mates Vineyard Chardonnay
Village Pinot Gris 2025 -
$21 on special this week ($24 RRP)
(Also orderable via email)
Village Chardonnay 2025 -
$24 on special this week ($27 RRP)
(Available now via the link above)
Village Pinot Noir 2025 -
$25 on special this week ($29 RRP)
(Also orderable via email)
If you wish to order any of these wines, please use the links above to email us
Otherwise, if you have any questions, please contact us on (07)32521117 or email sales@thewineemporium.com.au
// Special prices valid until Saturday the 22nd of August