Kumeu River Hunting Hill Vineyard Chardonnay 2022

The Brajkovich family and Kumeu River Wines are highly influential in the New Zealand wine industry, producing world-class wines that have gained international recognition. They operate on a 30-hectare vineyard with predominantly clay soils overlying a sandstone base, which creates the perfect conditions for their grapes to thrive. The use of a "Lyre" trellis system optimizes light exposure and grape maturity, while hand-harvesting ensures the selection of high-quality grapes. Over the years, the winery has grown and expanded, now producing approximately 250,000 bottles annually from their own vineyards and local growers. Their Chardonnays, in particular, have become a benchmark for non-Burgundy-produced Chardonnays, receiving outstanding accolades and gaining a strong foothold in the international market. Located in the picturesque region of Kumeu, a short drive from Auckland, Kumeu River Wines has a rich family history dating back to 1944. They have established themselves as pioneers in New Zealand's winemaking scene, consistently delivering wines of exceptional quality and character that truly reflect their passion and pursuit of perfection. Kumeu River Wines is renowned for their premium, hand-harvested wines that showcase the unique terroir of their vineyards. While their Chardonnays have put them on the global wine map, they also excel in producing exceptional Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and other varietals with the same dedication to excellence. Traditional winemaking techniques are integral to their process, including hand-pruning the vines and gentle hand-sorting of the grapes. These meticulous practices result in wines that capture the essence of the land, showcasing purity balance, and a true sense of place. The Kumeu River Wines is a testament to the Brajkovich family's unwavering commitment to producing exceptional wines and their ability to strike a harmonious balance between old-world charm and new-world innovation.

Tucked away in the picturesque region of Kumeu, New Zealand, this vineyard boasts a rich history and a reputation for producing exceptional wines. Situated on a gentle north-facing slope, the Hunting Hill Vineyard offers optimal conditions for growing the finest Chardonnay grapes. The terroir is characterized by clay soils overlaying a bedrock of limestone, which imparts distinctive qualities to the wines. This remarkable combination of soil composition and microclimate creates an environment that is perfectly suited for producing elegant and expressive wines. The wines from Hunting Hill Vineyard are revered for their purity, precision and exquisite balance. Each bottle tells a story, showcasing the meticulous craftsmanship and the dedication of the winemaking team. The Chardonnays from this vineyard are a true reflection of the land, capturing the essence of the Kumeu terroir with every sip. What sets the wines from Hunting Hill Vineyard apart is their remarkable ability to express both power and elegance. The well-integrated acidity and a mineral-driven core provide structure and balance, ensuring a long, lingering finish. These wines possess the ability to evolve and develop beautifully with age, rewarding those who are patient enough to cellar them for a few years.

The Kumeu River Hunting Hill Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 captivates the senses with its enticing aromas. Vibrant citrus, stone fruits and tropical notes mingle harmoniously with delicate floral undertones, creating a delightful bouquet. These aromatic layers set the stage for an extraordinary tasting experience. On the palate, this wine showcases exceptional finesse and complexity. Ripe fruit flavors, such as juicy peach, nectarine, zesty lemon and green apple, create a harmonious blend that is both luscious and satisfying. Subtle hints of toasty oak, a signature of Kumeu River wines, add depth and complexity, enhancing the overall character. The delicate notes of toast, jasmine and cardamom gracefully dance alongside the vibrant fruit flavors, crafting an intricately woven tapestry of taste sensations. The Hunting Hill Vineyard Chardonnay has a distinct terroir typicity, with a nose that exudes the freshness of lemon/lime fruit lift and florality. It delivers richness and volume on the palate, providing a truly captivating experience. The wine's minerality and well-integrated acidity contribute to its structure and balance, leading to a long, lingering finish that leaves you longing for another sip. With time, this Chardonnay has the potential to evolve and develop beautifully. It exemplifies the greatness of the Chardonnay grape, showcasing its power and elegance. The subtle hints of dried pineapples, lemons, sea shells and salted butter further enrich the wine, enticing the senses and leaving a lasting impression. The Kumeu River Hunting Hill Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 is a stunningly powerful, elegant and complex wine. It offers a truly remarkable tasting experience, leaving you in awe of its depth and character. As it ages, this Chardonnay will continue to evolve and mature, rewarding those patient enough to cellar it for a few years.

The Finer Details
Style - White Wine
Varietal -  Chardonnay
Country - New Zealand
Region - Kumeu
Vintage - 2022
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 14%
Other - Vegan Friendly
Closure - Screw Cap