Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2021

Kumeu River winery commands recognition on a global scale for its widely awarded, world-class Chardonnays. Michael and Katé Brajkovich left their small Croatian hamlet in 1937 to start over in New Zealand, which is when their journey really began. The couple painstakingly saved money by putting in long hours for other local farmers before opening their own winery in 1944, which is now run  by the third generation of Brajkovichs. Although the estate is located in one of New Zealand's most northerly wine districts, the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean nearby create cooler temperatures ideal for growing Chardonnay and Pinot Gris, which for the backbone of their exceptional range. 

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 Maté’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.