97/100 Cameron Douglas MS
Lemon Blossom × White Peach × Flint
🌿Sustainable Wine🌿
 
【Kumeu River】
After arriving in New Zealand in 1938, Dalmatian-born Maté Brajkovich purchased a small vineyard with his family in 1944, near the settlement of Kumeu, northwest of Auckland. When his son Michael took over winemaking in 1982, the potential of Kumeu River began to be fully realised. Today, the family estate is recognised as one of New Zealand’s leading white wine producers, particularly renowned for its internationally acclaimed Chardonnays.
 
Hunting Hill was first planted in 1982 and became an important component of the original Kumeu River Estate Chardonnay. Located on the slope overlooking Maté’s Vineyard, the site was replanted in 2000 and now produces beautifully ripe Chardonnay with a distinctive mineral and gently mealy character.

The 2025 Hunting Hill Chardonnay opens with an enticing fragrance of lemon blossom, white peach and ripe citrus, supported by fine lees, flint and restrained oak spice. The palate is dry, tightly focused and mineral-driven, combining concentrated fruit with freshness, power and impressive precision.

Still youthful and firmly structured, the wine gradually reveals layers of chalky texture, savoury lees and finely integrated French oak. Its long, energetic finish suggests considerable potential, with the balance and concentration to become increasingly expressive as it matures.A powerful yet finely controlled expression of Hunting Hill, this is approachable with decanting but should gain greater depth and harmony with several years in the cellar.

Chardonnay from Kumeu
Vintage: 2025
Volume:750ml