Kumeu River Coddington Chardonnay 2023

Established in 1944, Kumeu River Wines is a multi-generational business, starting with Mick and Kate Brajkovich, who arrived in New Zealand from Croatia in 1937, to their grandshildren and great grandchildren who run the company today.

Just as the Brajkovich family has grown, so too has the winery itself. Extensions and additions mark the milestones that have seen business adapt and expand over the years. Today, the winery produces around 250,000 bottles annually from 30 hectares of its own vineyards in Kumeu, and another 10 hectares from local growers

Theirs is a story which parallels the New Zealand wine industry, reflecting a journey of enormous endeavour, and their rise to become globally recognised. The Chardonnay wines of Kumeu River have gained a strong foothold within the international market, receiving outstanding accolades.

Coddington vineyard produces very rich and unctuous Chardonnay that they have long believed could make an excellent single vineyard wine. In 2006 they decided to give Coddington single vineyard status to reflect this vineyard’s unique character. Even though 2023 was a lighter vintage the Coddington still shows the distinctive peach and nectarine richness. The use of oak was very careful with no new barrels but a higher proportion of 1 and 2 year old barrels that give a lovely balance with the more moderate alcohol this year of 12.6%. The easiest of the single vineyard to taste when young but will definitely benefit from bottle age of 4-6 years.