Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay Auckland – 2020

Hunting Hill is Kumeu River’s coolest vineyard site because it sits in the direct path of Pacific Ocean sea breezes from the west. These breezes help produce extremely healthy fruit, and the wines have a recognisable lemon and lime blossom fragrance. It 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.

“Really nervy nose. Truly burgundian, if one is allowed to say this. Great fruit and great tension. Just the job and amazingly vibrant and persistent on the finish. You could drink this already but it will clearly last really well – though winemaker Michael Brajkovich is consistently cautious with his suggested drinking windows; ‘will improve with bottle age for four to six years’. A hint of Puligny here.” 17++pts Jancis Robinson MW