Michael Brajkovich MW announced as 2024 Institute Masters of Wine, Winemakers’ Winemaker

Our love for Pinot Noir dates back to the mid-1980s when we planted our first block here in Kumeu. Having already started on our journey to create a world-class Chardonnay, we knew this grape needed a Burgundian counterpart because what grows well where great Chardonnay grows? We recently shared our Pinot Noirs with well-known wine critics James Suckling and Bob Campbell MW.

Recently whilst in London, Paul had the opportunity to share our 2021 wines with Jancis Robinson, MW. 2021 caps off a three-peat of spectacular vintages at Kumeu River.  "Long-standing Purple Pagers should be well aware of the value offered by these pristine Chardonnays that have withstood blind comparisons with some of the best white burgundies." – Jancis Robinson Maté's Vineyard Chardonnay 2021 – 17++/20Savoury nose suggests a firm backbone. Really concentrated and richer than the Hunting Hill. Long and very youthful. For the moment, it’s a coiled spring with lots to chew on on the finish. Ideally it should be drunk...

You may have seen Paul & Michael have enjoyed getting back out around the world seeing our distribution partners.  It was great to be able to visit key markets, as we once again share our wines in person with the world's greatest writers and critics.Paul shared the entire UK portfolio with Jancis Robinson, MW.  As well as getting to taste two mature vintages of Dom Coche-Dury, Meursault Les Rougeots,  we were delighted with Jancis' feedback, scores and critical review on Jancis Robinson.com.As well as Jancis, Paul also tasted with two other important UK based MW’s: Rebecca Gibb from VINOUS and Anne...