New Zealand En Primeur
Broadly speaking, in 2024 the weather was far more consistent in both the North and South Islands than in 2023. Without the extremes brought on by Cyclone Gabrielle, 2024 delivered uniformly high fruit quality. Characterised by lower yields - typically 20–40% down across most regions - due to poor fruit set during flowering, spring frost, and drought conditions, especially in North Island areas such as Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne. Further South, Central Otago enjoyed its usual hot, dry, breezy season; soils were dry from early on and vines produced small, concentrated berries with excellent hang time and high-quality Pinot Noir. By mid‑December, an El Niño pattern across the regions brought dry, stable, and warm weather, fostering excellent ripening with minimal disease pressure. To complete the fine conditions, a strong diurnal temperature range - hot sunny days and cool nights in late summer/autumn - helped preserve natural acidity while concentrating aromatics and flavours.
Only time will tell, but the early indicators from Kiwi producers suggest 2024 could be one of the best vintages in living memory, so take note!
Kumeu River
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Still White | Case of 6
Still White
Made from selected grapes, sourced from six sites in the Kumeu Region which are either owned or leased by Kumeu River this is a superbly balanced wine with the rich stone fruit complemented by round oak, 20 % of which is new. Pure and complex with lovely acidity this fully lives up to the Estate's billing of 'the best Estate Chardonnay? in the past ten years
Case of 6
£96.00 / -
Still White | Case of 6
Still White
This vineyard was purchased by Kumeu in 2017 and is seeing dramatic improvements as the new Chardonnay plantings on top quality clones come into play. The soil here is limestone, as opposed to the clay of Auckland, which brings a great zesty character, ideal for Chardonnay. The 2024 wine is richer than previous vintages with white and yellow fruit wonderfully balanced with saline, mineral acidity. Maturation is all in old oak barrels.
Case of 6
£96.00 / -
Still White | Case of 12
Still White
For many this is their House white wine and understandably so. Sourced from vineyards in both Kumeu and Hawkes Bay, it delivers really appealing citrus fruit aromas, followed by impressive concentration on the palate. Buoyant acidity gives it a real refreshing tang, whilst the Hawkes Bay fruit brings with it a real flinty edge. Moreish, it is a super drop on its own or paired with seafood. It shouts drink me!
Case of 12
£108.00 /