Chardonnay, Hunting Hill, Kumeu – 2017
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Vineyard Profile
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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.
- Location: Hunting Hill, Kumeu, Auckland
- Cultivation: Sustainable
- Size: 3.37 hectares (8 acres)
- Vine Age: Planted 2000
- Clones: 15
- Soil: Clay loam
- Elevation: 100 meters (328 feet)
- Exposure: North facing but sloping slightly to Southwest
- Training: Lyre
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Vintage Report
- Yields: 2.7 tons/acre
- Brix: 23°
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Vinification
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Hand harvested
Whole-bunch pressed
Indigenous-yeast fermentation
100% barrel fermentation
100% malolactic fermentation
11 months maturation in barrel
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Chardonnay
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Tasting Notes
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The 2017 vintage was cool and windy and the hallmark of the Chardonnays is fragrance. This is particularly present in Hunting Hill with its typical lemon/lime blossom aromas on the nose. Hunting Hill was harvested before any weather episodes of 2017 and the fruit was clean with beautiful flavors. This has come through in the finished wine with a supple texture and lingering finish. As with previous vintages of Hunting Hill we expect this to drink well for 6–8 years.
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Images
Reviews
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Kumeu River Chardonnay, Hunting Hill, Kumeu – 2017 – The Wine Advocate – 94 Points
Another fine effort from this terrific vineyard, the 2017 Hunting Hill Chardonnay delivers an array of mellow peach and melon notes, accented by delicate hints of roasted cashews. Medium to full-bodied, it's round, rich, creamy and long, almost decadent in style. Drink it over the next 6-7 years for its plush, languid fruit.
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Kumeu River Chardonnay, Hunting Hill, Kumeu – 2017 – Vinous – 94 Points
The 2017 Hunting Hill Chardonnay has a very well-defined bouquet of lemon curd, granite, yellow flowers and just a hint of vanilla pod that derives from the François Frères barrels. The precise, detailed palate is well defined with a crisp line of acidity and a harmonious, succinct finish of lemon curd, canned apricot and citrus fruit, all infused with light ginger and minerals. This is a complex, intellectual Chardonnay with a long, bright future ahead. A fabulous Hunting Hill. Tasted at the Kumeu River Chardonnay vertical in London.
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Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay – 2017 – Wine Spectator – 90 Points
This seamless white features peach and nectarine flavors that are appealingly plump and juicy, while a thread of minerality adds a savory edge. Drink now.
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Kumeu River Chardonnay, Hunting Hill – 2017 – James Suckling – 95 Points
Very floral and quite toasty in the nose, this is already very attractive, in spite of its youth. Sleek yet polished with stunning concentration and vibrant acidity driving the very long, tight finish. Drink or hold.