2020 Kumeu River Hunting Hill Vineyard Chardonnay

A steely, mineral and incredibly precise Chardonnay — this is Burgundy-level quality from New Zealand

97 Points – Farr Vintners | 96 Points – JamesSuckling.com | 96 Points – Vinous | 96 Points – The Wine Advocate

Auckland, NZ

$120 a bottle
Single Vineyard • Mineral • World-Class Chardonnay

“A steely, mineral and incredibly precise Chardonnay — this is Burgundy-level quality from New Zealand.”

Tasting Notes

Appearance:
Bright lemon-gold — pure, focused and luminous.

Aroma:
Highly complex and refined with:

• yellow citrus and lemon curd
• white peach and nectarine
• hazelnut and subtle oak
• flint, chalk and mineral notes

Aromatic precision with serious depth.

Palate:
Medium-bodied, tightly structured and beautifully layered — a benchmark cool-climate Chardonnay.
Expect layers of:

• citrus and stone fruit
• lemon curd and peach
• fine oak integration
• creamy texture balanced by tension
• vibrant acidity driving length and precision

The wine shows power through structure, with a more mineral, Puligny-Montrachet-like profile.

Finish:
Long, mineral and persistent with citrus, flint and fine savoury complexity.

Critical Acclaim

• 97pts – Farr Vintners
• 96pts – James Suckling
• 96pts – Vinous
• 96pts – The Wine Advocate

A consistently top-rated wine in the Kumeu lineup.

About Hunting Hill

The Hunting Hill Vineyard sits above Mate’s Vineyard and produces a more:

• mineral-driven
• structured
• tightly wound style

Often compared to Puligny-Montrachet, it’s known for:

• lime-driven fruit
• chalky texture
• exceptional ageing potential

Food Pairings

• Lobster
• Scallops
• Roast chicken
• Cream-based sauces
• Soft cheeses

Why This Wine Sells

This is the serious insider pick in the Kumeu range:

• More mineral and structured than Mate’s
• Still world-class level Chardonnay
• Exceptional value compared to Burgundy

At $120, it delivers elite quality without the $300+ Burgundy price tag.

Perfect for customers who “know their Chardonnay.”