Description
"Hunting Hill is a vineyard that was first planted in 1982 and became a significant part of the original Kumeu River Chardonnay blend. Occupying the slope overlooking Mate's Vineyard, it has always contributed lovely ripe and rich fruit to the Estate Chardonnay. Hunting Hill was replanted in 2000 and is now even better than before, giving beautifully ripe fruit with a distinctive mealy minerality. The 2023 vintage in Hunting Hill was both lighter in ripeness and also lower in yield. The reduction in yield has made for quite a textural Hunting Hill. Even though 2023 was a lighter year, Hunting Hill is still very recognisable for its fragrance of lemom/lime blossom. The palate is silky and textural with the distinctive lemon drop on the finish. This is a beautifully balanced Hunting Hill that even though approachable now will definitely benefit from bottle age of 5 – 8 years." - Winemaker Notes
"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." - 96 Points, JamesSuckling.com
"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." - 95 Points, Gary Walsh, The Wine Front
