2020 Rays Road Pinot Noir, Kumeu River
Hawke's Bay, New Zealand
Crafted from the finest section of Kumeu River’s limestone-rich Rays Road vineyard, the 2020 Pinot Noir showcases the exceptional character and elegance that this unique site can deliver. Planted with a selection of superior clones in 2008, the vineyard’s elevated location and mineral-laced soils provide the perfect conditions for producing expressive, site-driven Pinot Noir.
Bright ruby in colour, the wine opens with fragrant aromas of ripe red cherries, wild strawberries, and delicate floral notes. Subtle undertones of dry leaf and forest floor add nuance and complexity. The palate is supple and silky, with finely woven tannins and a graceful structure. A core of vibrant red fruit is balanced by a refreshing acidity and a distinctive limestone edge, giving the wine a sense of tension and finesse.
Aged for 12 months in French oak (10% new), this Pinot Noir delivers depth without excess, and a long, savoury finish that speaks to both place and pedigree. Delicious in its youth, it also has the potential to evolve beautifully over the next 5–7 years.
Whats in the bottle
100% Pinot Noir
Notable Awards
92 points – Bob Campbell MW
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Kumeu River is one of New Zealand’s most respected and internationally acclaimed family-owned wineries, located just northwest of Auckland. Established in 1944 by Croatian immigrants Mick and Katé Brajkovich, Kumeu River has become synonymous with exceptional Chardonnay, crafted with Burgundian finesse and New World purity.
Now run by the second and third generations of the Brajkovich family, Kumeu River is globally recognised for producing some of the finest Chardonnay outside of Burgundy, with consistent critical acclaim from international wine critics and publications. The estate’s maritime climate, clay-rich soils, and meticulous vineyard and cellar practices, including wild yeast fermentation and barrel ageing, contribute to the depth, complexity, and age-worthiness of their wines.
The Kumeu River range spans village-level to single-vineyard bottlings, with standout cuvées such as Mate’s Vineyard earning cult status. The winery also produces excellent Pinot Gris and Pinot Noir, though Chardonnay remains its defining focus and claim to fame.
100% hand harvested
100% de-stemmed then crushed
Indigenous yeast fermentation
2-3 weeks total cuvaison
Thrice daily remontage or pigeage
11 months maturation
Grape
Pinot Noir
Alcohol by Volume
13%
Vintage
2020
Country
New Zealand
Size
750ml
Types
Red Wine
Producer
Kumeu
Region
Hawkes Bay
2020 Rays Road Pinot Noir, Kumeu River
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- New Zealand