2002 Kumeu River Chardonnay, New Zealand

[wondersofwine]

Imported by Wilson Daniels, Saint Helena, CA
Estate bottled by the Brajkovich Family Proprietors
13.5% alcohol; screw cap!
Clear, pale straw color. Pear and guava (?) nose. Very fragrant. Mouthfilling presence. High acid, some toasty oak but still shows some structure and balance. I like it quite a bit, but don't love it. Along with the Trevor Jones "Virgin" Chardonnay I had recently and the Penny's Hill Chardonnay from Australia, another indication that the "Down Under" Chards may be outclassing the California Chards. I would possibly pair this with sole meuniere or lobster tail with drawn butter. It can also be sipped as an aperitif, especially as a chilled wine in a warm setting (patio, picnic, etc.) If any of you follow Sue Courtney (a New Zealand wine writer) the Kumeu River Chardonnays were among her favorites of 2002, especially the single vineyard one. Winemaker Michael Brajkovich is a Master of Wine. The family emigrated from Yugoslavia. The wine is from Auckland, one of the least hyped wine regions in New Zealand.


[This message has been edited by wondersofwine (edited 10-12-2004).]