Kumeu River, Rays Road Pinot Noir, 2021
Kumeu River, Rays Road Pinot Noir, 2021
- 75cl
- Red Still
- Pinot Noir
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Optimal drinking window: Now - 2031
Rays Road is Kumeu River's newest vineyard located in Hawke's Bay. Situated on a limestone hillside at 180 meters altitude with a northerly aspect, this site is dry-farmed to produce high-quality grapes for the Rays Road label under the Kumeu River name.
While Kumeu River are best known as New Zealand’s benchmark Chardonnay producer, Rays Road is a relatively new site in their portfolio, and this Pinot Noir highlights just how well their meticulous, Burgundian-inspired approach translates across varieties.
Kumeu River has built a global reputation for producing some of the finest Chardonnays in the Southern Hemisphere, often compared to top white Burgundy. Founded in the 1940s by the Brajkovich family, the estate remains family-owned and run today, with winemaker Michael Brajkovich MW leading the charge. Their philosophy is centred on site expression and balance, crafting wines that age gracefully while remaining approachable in their youth.
What the critics say:
"The 2021 Ray's Road Pinot Noir is from Hawke's Bay and is a far weightier rendition than the Hunting Hill tasted next to it. Here, there is an earthy undertow of chewy grip and tannin, layers of tobacco, roasted game, cherry kirsch and summer strawberries. In the mouth, the acidity feels bright and fully resolved, as do the tannins, and the overall package is one of sleek resolution and asphalt/graphite grip. I saw this grittiness as a smoky character in the Hunting Hill, but perhaps it truly is an oak-derived character, as I see an offshoot of it here. 13% alcohol, sealed under screw cap."
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Kumeu River
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