2016 Kumeu River “Hunting Hill” Chardonnay New Zealand

Kumeu River has proven itself to be the equal or better than more expensive and famous white wines time and time again. For those who haven’t read Jancis Robinson MW’s article about the ‘Kumeu River versus The World’ tasting that we did here at Farr Vintners, click here. In short, these are some of the best white wines that money can buy and they regularly trounce Grand Cru Burgundies in blind tastings.

When you add to this the fact that Michael Brajkovich MW, Kumeu’s winemaker, believes that 2014 will be regarded as one of the greatest vintages ever made at the estate, you have a very special proposition. And that is what we are offering you today – the chance to quench your thirst during this hot spell with an utterly brilliant Chardonnay that won’t break the bank.

The single vineyard Hunting Hill Chardonnay was barrel matured for 10 months in French oak, of which 25% was new. After a further 6 months ageing in stainless steel tanks, the wine was bottled in August 2015. A pale lemon colour. Smoky and citric on the nose. Quite lean, tight and unforgiving at this stage. Extremely youthful but with great purity and full of flinty minerality and a touch of vanilla. Restrained, but there is clearly plenty of concentration lying beneath the crisp acidity. On the palate the wine is big, juicy and rich with an oily texture and velvet smoothness. Very Puligny Montrachet in style with great minerality to compliment the generous concentration. This has great length and terrific structure. At the moment it’s very youthful and tight but this will mature into something very special. Great potential.”

K7616 2014 Kumeu River “Hunting Hill” 
The 2014 Hunting Hill Chardonnay has a white peach, spiced apple and honeyed pear nose with hints of ginger, brioche and almonds. Medium-bodied, the silken textured palate gives layer upon layer of stone fruit and savoury flavors plus excellent persistence.”