{"product_id":"2025-rays-road-chardonnay-kumeu-river","title":"2025 Rays Road Chardonnay, Kumeu River","description":"\u003cp data-pm-slice=\"1 1 []\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLimestone \u0026amp; Light\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlinty, fragrant and beautifully focused, Rays Road has the citrus clarity and saline poise that will appeal to lovers of fine Chablis, wrapped in Kumeu River’s gently generous texture. White peach, crisp apple and lemon peel mingle with delicate blossom, followed by creamy cashew and a subtle smoky note. There is an inviting tension between ripe fruit and stony freshness, with understated oak allowing the vineyard’s distinctive character to shine.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe palate is sleek and finely textured, opening with supple stone fruit before bright acidity brings everything into focus. A delicate chalky grip gives shape to the wine, while its creamy middle carries surprising depth for something so refreshing. Citrus pith and a savoury, saline edge linger through the long finish. Delicious with seafood and rewarding to explore over an unhurried evening, this is Chardonnay with both immediate appeal and the structure to develop beautifully in bottle.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFor when: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLunch stretches into the afternoon, and the conversation deserves another glass.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePairs with: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrilled langoustines with lemon butter, roast cod with white beans, crab linguine, scallops with cauliflower purée, chicken with tarragon cream, or a leek and Gruyère tart.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRays Road comes from a limestone hillside in Hawke’s Bay, extending the Brajkovich family’s Chardonnay story beyond their home vineyards near Auckland. Purchased in 2017, the site sits around 180 metres above sea level with a northerly aspect and an exposed position. Its distinctive combination of citrus brightness, savoury texture and mineral freshness gives it a compelling identity within the Kumeu River range.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wine Republic","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":56392941896065,"sku":null,"price":28.95,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0916\/0513\/9841\/files\/2025RaysRoadChardonnay_KumeuRiver.png?v=1791895271","url":"https:\/\/www.wine-republic.co.uk\/products\/2025-rays-road-chardonnay-kumeu-river","provider":"Wine Republic","version":"1.0","type":"link"}