Hunting Hill Chardonnay, Kumeu River 2016

The voluminous yet weightless 2016 Hunting Hill Chardonnay continues this bottling's successful run of vintages. Hints of roasted cashew accent tropical fruit, but thanks to a zesty line of citrusy acids, the wine powers forward without ever seeming overly broad or heavy. It simply coats the mouth with a stunning array of complex flavors, lingering gently on the finish. 2018 - 2027

The nose is focussed smoky fresh the palate has crushed sea shells taut in the middle the acidity encircles the mid sweetness the peach and apricot. Mineral and slate freshness at the back intensity of flavour and although quite lean there is richer fruit on the finish.

Pale lemon in the glass, with supreme focus of lime, lemon, struck match and light toast on the nose. The palate is pristine, primary, taut and yet powerful. This is wrapped up and tight at the moment, but the bright acidity, mineral tension, crystalline lemon fruits and light smokiness all show that this wine has great potential. The finish is over a minute long, and the fruit expands with time on the tongue and in the glass. Weightless density and intensity. Best after 2020.

Tight, linear wine in a slightly edgy, fine-boned style with citrus, oyster shell, mineral and spicy oak flavours. A little closed and hard to read now but with obvious cellaring potential.

Lovely taught apple and pear phenolic notes which melt wonderfully into the pithy, mineral leanness of struck flint and crushed limestone. Svelt and textured, super precise and focused, this wine has an incredible texture like a polished diamond. Beautiful balance, harmony and mouthwatering precision. Wow.

Light struck-match nose and then quite opulent fruit on the palate. Tense and vibrant. Very long. The most appealing 2016 so far.
Drink 2018-2031

The flinty nose gives way to ripe peach and nectarine fruits with a svelte, linear and focused palate. Terrific clarity of bright yellow peach fruit flavor and handy acid cut, too. Drink now. Screw cap.

Ample smoke on the nose. Yet, behind that there's plenty of sliced pears and some white peaches. Very lively and energetic, the long, crisp finish seriously minerally. Delicious now, but also has considerable aging potential. Screw cap.