Wines Hawke's Bay Kumeu River Ray's Road Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2023 - 2023

Viniou Reviews

Kumeu River Ray’s Road Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2023 is a beautifully crafted white wine showcasing the refined elegance and complexity that New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay region can achieve with Chardonnay. The 2023 vintage benefits from a relatively cool and stable growing season, allowing for slow ripening and an excellent balance between vibrant acidity and ripe fruit flavours. The grapes are primarily hand-harvested from the distinct Ray’s Road vineyard, which lies on limestone-rich soils unique within Hawke’s Bay, imparting a striking mineral character. Fermentation typically occurs with indigenous yeasts, followed by maturation in a combination of stainless steel and seasoned oak to preserve purity and add subtle texture, rather than overt wood influence.

Hawke’s Bay is the North Island’s oldest and second largest wine region, renowned for its remarkably diverse soils and favourable weather patterns. Set against the backdrop of gentle maritime breezes and ample sunshine, the region benefits from warm, dry summers and mild autumns, ideal for slow, even grape maturation. The stony, free-draining soils at Ray’s Road, with elevated sites and limestone content, enhance the freshness and minerality of Chardonnay grown here. While Hawke’s Bay is historically significant as the birthplace of New Zealand wine in the 19th century, its modern reputation rests on producing world-class Chardonnays and red blends, particularly from innovative producers like Kumeu River.

Given its refined minerality and lemon-laced, stone fruit profile, this Chardonnay pairs beautifully with delicate seafood such as seared scallops, New Zealand green-lipped mussels, or oysters. For a more local touch, try it with a fresh crayfish salad or smoked kahawai pâté. Its subtle texture and crisp acidity also complement creamy poultry dishes or a classic chicken with tarragon. Mild goat’s cheese and summer salads featuring avocado and citrus are also ideal companions.

For optimal enjoyment, serve this Chardonnay lightly chilled at around 10-12°C. This will enhance its bright aromatics and allow the lively acidity and subtle mineral notes to shine through, making each sip refreshing and harmonious.