From: Kumeu, Auckland & Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Varietal: Pinot Noir
Taste: The wine displays a bright cherry red color with lifted red fruit aromas alongside delicate hints of spice on the nose. The palate is cool, round, and fruity with a nice weight of chalky tannin that keeps the finish dry and refreshing. You’ll find white pepper and a smattering of savory aromas upon opening the bottle. With air, these aromas turn into delicate, ethereal fruit and floral notes.
“A translucent raspberry juice hue, this is a delicate Pinot from a producer far better known for its Chardonnay. In a reversal of roles, its red is lighter—more delicate and understated—than its whites. With plenty of swirling in glass, dainty aromas of strawberries and raspberries still on the bush float to the fore, followed by cocktail bitters, roses and white pepper. The fresh tang of red fruit on the featherlight palate is tugged gently into place by chalky, skinsy tannins. Delicious drinking now until 2028.” –Christina Pickard, Wine Enthusiast, 92 points (September 2022)
Pairing: The 2020 Kumeu Village Pinot Noir is delightful on its own or when complemented with a range of dishes. Some ideal pairings that come to mind include pot stickers, roasted chicken (plus some root vegetables cooked in the drippings), creamy polenta with mushrooms, or even bao buns with pork belly. We’d also love it with Steak Tartare.
About. Founded in 1944 by Mick Brajkovich, wife Katé and son Maté, Kumeu River was one of the early pioneers in Auckland, New Zealand, that helped to establish its reputation as a world-class wine region. Still family owned and run, Kumeu River continues to pioneer new frontiers: winemaker Michael Brajkovich became New Zealand’s first member of the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine, London, and has been testing and championing screw cap closures for close to 20 years. Today, Kumeu River produces 250,000 bottles annually from 30 hectares (74 acres) of estate vineyards in Kumeu, and another 10 hectares (24.7 acres) from local growers.
Fast facts on this wine:
Vineyard sources: Rays Road (74%), Kumeu Village (26%)
Vines planted between 1989 and 2016
100% hand harvested, then de-stemmed and crushed
Indigenous yeast fermentation
2 weeks total cuvaison
Twice daily remontage
7 months maturation in tank
Bottled September 2020
