2023 Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay

Highly Rated
Another fine single-vineyard release from Kumeu River, one of New Zealand's foremost Chardonnay producers

Price:
Sale price$89.00
Stock:
In stock, ready to ship
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Description

From the first sniff and taste, the Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay illustrates why this winery is so revered for its white wines.

Hunting Hill is a vineyard originally planted in 1982, but was replanted in 2000 – the owners believe it is now better than ever. The site is renowned for producing Chardonnay with pronounced citrus, extremely bright acidity, and charming floral characters. It is power, elegance and drinkability all rolled into one glorious bottle.

Very rare, so move fast!

96 points
"Aromas of apples, white peaches and steel with hints of lemongrass, fresh basil, flint and white flowers... So fresh yet dense at the same time."
- James Suckling

95 points
"It has perfume and precision, and the length is excellent. It’s classy and high-toned, floral and nutty, flinty, and delicious. It’s water-coloured, yes, yet it’s a beautiful wine."
- Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

96 points - "Aromas of apples, white peaches and steel with hints of lemongrass, fresh basil, flint and white flowers. Medium- to full-bodied with a tight and dense center palate and a crunchy and flavorful finish. Energetic acidity. So fresh yet dense at the same time." - James Suckling

95 points - "White flowers, mint, white peach, lemon and lime, almond biscotti, and spice. It’s an understated wine, though it has something about it which really gets me in, and maybe that’s the cool and ‘mineral’ feel it offers, or the light crunch of acidity combined with classic and delicate Chardonnay flavour. It has perfume and precision, and the length is excellent. It’s classy and high-toned, floral and nutty, flinty, and delicious. It’s water-coloured, yes, yet it’s a beautiful wine." - Gary Walsh (The Wine Front)

98 points - "Of all the single-site chardonnays from ‘23, this just has the edge, and while it will last some distance, gee it’s irresistible now. Super savoury with a briny, almost oyster-shell character alongside citrus and crushed coriander seeds. Moreish and mouth-watering with fine acidity, off-set by equally fine texture. It’s tightly wound, given its youth, yet this is also composed, complete and delicious." - Jane Faulkner (Halliday Wine Companion)

Hunting Hill is very distinctive in its terroir typicity, with piercing lemon/lime fruit lift and florality on the nose, with richness and volume in the mouth followed by lingering acidity and minerality on the finish. A beautifully elegant wine.

Region: Kumeu, New Zealand
Blend: Chardonnay (100%)
ABV: 13.50%
Closure: 750ml
Bottle Size:
Production:

Price Bracket $51 to $100
Type White
Body Full Bodied
Variety Chardonnay
Country New Zealand
Region Kumeu
Feature High Score
Reviewed By James Suckling
The Wine Front
Halliday Wine Companion
Size 750ml
Vintage 2023
Closure Screw Cap

Kumeu River

Like so many new world wineries, Kumeu River, is an immigrant success story, hard work, and growth from generation to generation.

The Brajkovich family’s story has grown in parallel to the growth of the New Zealand wine industry in general, established the Kumeu region north of Auckland.

3rd generation winemaker Michael Brajkovich ( New Zealand’s first MW) spent a vintage in Burgundy in the early 1980’ that changed the wineries trajectory and led them to place a singular focus on producing world class Chardonnay.

This change saw them rename the winery Kumeu River (from San Marino Vineyards) and evolve to a more Burgundian style of winemaking. Since these changes, the wines of Kumeu river have been recognised as belonging to the pantheon of Chardonnay on a global scale.

The Vineyards of Kumeu River Kumeu River

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Shipping

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For orders under this amount, delivery is calculated at checkout based on your postcode. You can order in any quantity or combination of wines you like. Straight dozens are not required.

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Estimated delivery transit time varies depending on your location. Please review this page for specific estimates.

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