Kumeu River, Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2021

96 points James Suckling
"This has aromas of flint, toast, jasmine, dried pineapples, lemons and sea shells. Some cardamom and salted butter. Classy and driven, with a medium to full body and tight, sleek layers. Perfumed and bright. Everything in balance."

95 points Wine Enthusiast
"The third in a trio of outstanding vintages, and also winemaker Michael Brajkovich MW’s 40th vintage, Hunting Hill has similar longevity, having been planted 41 years ago. A lift of white peach, lemon curd and floral notes are dappled with flinty minerality and toast. There’s richness to the palate, but the fruit is vibrant, buoyed by crystalline acidity, and gently supported by toasty oak. A class act with at least another decade of cellaring ahead of it."

Jancis Robinson
"‘In the last few years this has really been blooming’, said Paul. All clone 15, facing south-west so it gets the prevailing maritime breezes. Clay over an iron pan. 25% new barrels, all François Frères. 1,600 cases.
Pale straw. Strong lemon aroma with light smokiness and real lift. Lovely balance and great youth and extremely long. Raciness. This is just a treasure that deserves to be cellared awhile to take full advantage of its potential for complex development. It has the same steeliness but more obvious fruit than in typical fine Australian Chardonnays. Tight finish for the moment. 17.5+/20 points."