2025 Kumeu River Village Pinot Noir

The Brajkovich family might be the undisputed royalty of New Zealand Chardonnay, but their entry-tier red continues to be one of the best-kept bargains in the trans-Tasman Pinot market. The fruit for this bottling comes entirely from their high-altitude Rays Road property in Hawke’s Bay, sitting on an elevated limestone slope that injects a completely different personality compared to their Auckland home turf.  

An exceptional 2025 growing season gave them beautiful, clean fruit that didn't require any hiding. They hand-picked the blocks, let the wild yeasts do their thing, and skipped oak usage completely. Keeping the wine exclusively in stainless steel for seven months ensures you are looking at pure, unadulterated varietal energy rather than a faceful of wood.  

It drinks like a giant bowl of fresh field strawberries, crushed red plums, and dried botanical herbs. The weight is beautifully light and fluid, backed by a dusty, slatey tannin structure that leaves the finish dry and incredibly clear.

It is a humble, immediate red that offers serious master-maker pedigree for the price of a standard pub meal.