While the Brajkovich family’s legacy was built in the clay soils of Auckland, Rays Road represents their boldest move into the limestone-rich hills of Hawke’s Bay. Perched at 180 metres above sea level in the Raukawa district, this north-facing, dry-farmed vineyard is Kumeu River’s "Chablis" project. The unique soil profile here (rare for New Zealand) imparts a mineral-driven structure that stands in vivid contrast to the broader, weightier wines of the Kumeu estate. The 2024 Rays Road Chardonnay is a wine of electric energy. The nose is high-toned and fragrant, offering an expressive bouquet of lime zest, green apple, and white peach, layered with a signature "flinty" reduction and notes of crushed oyster shells. On the palate, the wine is sleek and linear, driven by a vibrant, "raspy" acidity typical of limestone terroir. However, unlike previous vintages, the 2024 shows a deeper core of fruit and a creamy, leesy texture derived from its 11 months in older French oak. It is a wine that feels both steely and sophisticated. [#intro]A striking limestone driven Chardonnay from Hawkes Bay offering Chablis like tension and modern vibrant energy...[/intro]