Kumeu River Chardonnay Kumeu, New Zealand , 2004

Here is a classic, elegant Chardonnay from one the world's most meticulous Chardonnay growers, Michael Brajkovich MW.
Kumeu is located north of Aukland at the northern point of the New Zealand's north island. This is an area where coolness from the ocean is a major factor for grape varietal and clone selection. Mr Brajkovich chooses to put the wine through full treatment: barrel ferment, extended lees contact and ML ferment. But this wine is racy, lemony almost chalky in texture with lovely mouthfeel and a dryness that lies about the age. This is an 04, shows no oxidative issues (thank you screwcap), an has lovely presence.
We enjoyed with a light pasta sauce of wild mushrooms, peas and cheese. The wine held up beautifully, but was quite pleasurable on it own, as well.
About $25.