Translation missing: en.Producer Profile: Kumeu River + Just In: Henri Chauvet: Producer Profile: Kumeu River + Just In: Henri Chauvet
Producer Profile: Kumeu River
Kumeu river have firmly cemented themselves as one of the most sought-after producers in New Zealand, known for their exceptional Meursault-like Chardonnay from NZ's north island. Kumeu River Wines encompasses 30 hectares of vineyards, which are predominantly clay soils overlying a sandstone base with great water retention allowing them to forgo irrigation. This combined with deep roots, an optimal trellising system and hand-harvesting helps to produce perfectly balanced and concentrated grapes. All the Chardonnays are made in a very similar fashion: hand-harvested and whole-bunch pressed before indigenous yeast fermentation entirely in French oak barrels, principally older oak to preserve freshness and site expression. The wines complete 100% malolactic fermentation and are matured in barrel for 11 months and bottled unfined. This restrained élevage brings texture and complexity while keeping vineyard character at the forefront.
This 2025 release of Kumeu River is exceptional - a very dry year but cool (only 2 days exceeded 28 degrees) creating wines that sit in the ‘Goldilocks Zone’ between 12.5 and 13% ABV. The '25 'Estate Chardonnay' combines 6 of Kumeu's vineyards and provides an excellent snapshot into both the producer and vintage. Great value. The '25 'Coddington Chardonnay' is the most generous and ready-to-go of the single vineyard sites, with vines planted in 1994 and a northerly aspect aiding ripeness to create a concentrated Chardy. Finally, the '25 'Hunting Hill Chardonnay' is the most elegant and aromatic of the single sites, sitting just above the Mate's Vineyard and exposed to the cool south-westerly breezes. Check out New Zealand's most iconic Chardonnay producer today!
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If you like this, try this!
If you like Chablis, try this Muscadet by Domaine de la Pepiere in Loive Valley!
This is an amazing example of Muscadet from one of the greatest Domaines of the Loire Valley! This wine is fresh and zippy with a nice supple body from the aging on lees. Muscadet is often a go-to pairing for oysters and other seafood much like Chablis, but this offers a bit more body while still maintaining great acidity and salinity. Quench that thirst with Pepiere's Muscadet on the first day of spring!
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Just In
Henri Chauvet
We've got a small amount of wines from cult producer Henri Chauvet based in Auvergne, France! Since 2021, Henri Chauvet is the custodian of 10.5 hectares of diverse vineyards
in Boudes, Auvergne with a focus on Gamay, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Guided by his deep respect for terroir, he crafts wines that faithfully reflect the hillsides surrounding his home. These are volcanic masterpieces and we only have a couple bottles of most of these so get in quick!
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Tasting: South Africa
Saturday 5th
3pm - 6pm
Annandale Cellars
Join us for the first tasting of Spring with a journey through the exciting wines of South Africa!
South Africa is home to unique climates due to a range of influences from the Cape Mountain Range and the winds caused by the meeting of the Atlantic and Indian Oceans off the coast. New World wines with Old World sensibility, South African wines have a unique charm and are not always easy to come by in Australia.
These are the wines that we'll be tasting: Van Niekerk Sonwater Chenin Blanc, Olifanstberg Syrah, Mullineux Kloof Street Rouge, Carinus Family Chenin Blanc, Olifantsberg Grenache and Scions of Sinai Cinsault. Come down to the store for a fresh Spring tasting!