2021 Kumeu River Hunting Hill Vineyard Chardonnay

The winter of 2020 was relatively mild and dry. Spring came early again, abut this time there were frosts to contend with in late September, one in particular causing damage to many of Kumeu vineyards. Similarly at the Rays Road vineyard in Hawkes Bay there were frost events, but the wind machine that were installed recently did the job and damage was minimal. Flowering took place well ahead of normal, and it was obvious to the wine makers that the season would be very early in 2021. History will see 2021 sitting very nicely in the trio of outstanding vintages: ‘19, ‘20 and ’21.

Hunting Hill is very distinctive in its terroir typicity, with piercing lemon/lime fruit lift and florality on the nose, richness and volume in the mouth followed by lingering acidity and minerality on the finish. This is an absolute classic example of how great the Chardonnay grape can be: A beautifully powerful, yet elegant and complex wine with long term aging ability.