2021 Kumeu River Mate’s Vineyard

The winter of 2020 was relatively mild and dry. Spring came early again, abut this time there were frosts to contend with in late September, one in particular causing damage to many of Kumeu vineyards. Similarly at the Rays Road vineyard in Hawkes Bay there were frost events, but the wind machine that were installed recently did the job and damage was minimal. Flowering took place well ahead of normal, and it was obvious to the wine makers that the season would be very early in 2021. History will see 2021 sitting very nicely in the trio of outstanding vintages: ‘19, ‘20 and ’21.

The 2021 vintage for Mate’s Vineyard continues the amazing run of vintages. The grapes harvested in in 2021 were ripe, rich and concentrated. The resulting wine shows the density, concertation and length that we expect from a terrific Mate’s Vineyard vintage. Although still somewhat shy on the nose, with bottle age the full palette of complex aromas and bouquet of this wonderful wine will be gradually and seductively revealed.