Nestled within the tapestry of our history, Hunting Hill emerged from the earth in 1982, its vines intertwining with the very essence of Kumeu River. An integral thread in the original Chardonnay blend, this vineyard stands sentinel on the slope, gazing upon Maté’s Vineyard below. Across the years, it has bestowed upon us an abundance of succulent, sun-kissed fruit, infusing our Estate Chardonnay with its richness.
A new chapter began in 2000, when the rebirth of Hunting Hill took root. Rising from the earth once more, its vines now bear even greater treasures, offering fruit that embodies the pinnacle of ripeness. A symphony of flavors dances on the palate, while a distinctive minerality, reminiscent of sun-warmed earth, adds an extra layer of allure. This metamorphosis has elevated Hunting Hill to an echelon of splendor beyond its former self, a true testament to the passage of time and the mastery of nature.
The incredible run of vintages since 2019 has continued with 2022. The conditions during harvest were suburb and 2022 produced a classic Hunting Hill. Very distinctive terroir driven 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.