2021 Kumeu Village Pinot Noir, Hawkes Bay & Kumeu Vineyards, New Zealand

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.

Wine Enthusiast 93. The village label from this renowned Auckland-based estate is open and perfumed with aromas of plump berries, plum, dried herbs and floral soap. Tangy blue and black fruit leads on the palate. Its quietly powerful with taut, fine tannins. Christina Pickard, 2024

Decanter 92. Like biting into a ripe red cherry, this unoaked Pinot emphasizes youthful sweet prettiness, but is kept from being confected by fresh raspberry acidity, sappy fruit tannins and a savoury leafy edge. Exceptional value; serve slightly cool. From the Ray's Road vineyard in Hawke's Bay and Kumeu estate plots. - Tina Gellie, September 2022

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.