Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay 2012

Description

Kumeu River, northwest of Auckland is without a doubt NZ’s finest chardonnay producer.  Master of Wine and Winemaker Michael Brajkovich has been crafting fine chardonnay at the estate since the 1980’s.  Hand picked fruit and vigorous selection from the low yielding vines, whole bunch pressed, wild yeasts, a third of the fruit fermented in French oak barriques and full malolactic fermentation to soften the pristine acidity and add texture and dimension. Not surprising Michael is not shy in comparing his Chardonnays with the great White Burgundies like Domain Leflaive!  2012 was a near perfect growing season with low rainfall and warm ripening conditions resulting in lovely ripe, honeyed fruit with pristine mineral acidity, citrus and stone fruit aromas.

Our favourite of Kumeu’s single vineyard wines (originally planted in 1982, handpicked, whole bunch pressed, wild yeasts, 100% barrel fermented, 100% malolactic fermentation, 11mth maturation in Fine French oak).  It achieves the most consistent ripeness and pristine acidity from the cooler vineyard. Concentrated mouthfilling depth of fruit, power and balance reminiscent of grand cru burgundy.  With air the tighly focused palate reveals layers and layers of minerality, stone fruit, citrus and balanced french oak. Delicacy and fine acid structure which means this will cellar and develop for many years. This is a world class chardonnay.

95 Points,  Lisa Perrotti- Brown MW  eRobertParker.com  …“Produced from UCD Clone 15 Chardonnay, the 2012 Hunting Hill has an explosive nose – a citrus bomb – with tons of tropical and stone fruit layers plus nuances of crushed stones, nuts and baker’s yeast. it gives tons of flavor layers in the medium-bodied mouth, although very tightly knit, with a gorgeous satiny texture and an incredibly long finish. Simply a stunning wine, this will greatly reward a further 2-6+ years of cellaring. ”  Drink: 2014-2024

“2012 Kumeu River, Estate Chardonnay, Kumeu, North Island, New Zealand I attended a very special tasting of Chardonnays from the most famous producer of this grape in New Zealand, at Farr Vintners HQ, the other day.  Chairman Stephen Browett explained that he had been shipping wines from the Brajkovich family for decades and that, for him, they are some of the world’s greatest white wines.  I have been buying and recommending these wines since day one, too, but I have never tasted old bottles nor have I pitted them against great Burgundies.  After four flights of blind wines, each including very expensive and highly rated white Burgundies, with a Kumeu Chardonnay hiding among the pack, the scores, from the great and the good of the industry, were collated.  The Kumeu Chardonnays won three out of four flights.  My featured wine trumped four of the biggest names in the world!   Finely balanced, elegant and built on a base of devastating acidity, the Chardonnays made at Kumeu River are all thrilling. Some very old bottles, poured with pride by owner Paul Brajkovich, proved that they age very well, too.  I can highly recommend these wines with 2012 Kumeu River Hunting Hill Chardonnay and my featured Estate cuvée crushing the Old World stars with ease!  You must find a space for these wines in your cellar.” Matthew Jukes, UK Wine Journalist
RRP $68