Kumeu River "Hunting Hill" Kumeu Chardonnay 2023

James Suckling : 96 Points

(6/16/2024) Aromas of apples, white peaches and steel with hints of lemongrass, fresh basil, flint and white flowers. Medium- to full-bodied with a tight and dense center palate and a crunchy and flavorful finish. Energetic acidity. So fresh yet dense at the same time.

Wine Advocate : 95 Points

(12/19/2024) The 2023 Hunting Hill Chardonnay is the most concentrated of the collection so far with the Ray's Road wine still to be tasted. This vineyard is very close to the Maté's vineyard, up on the slope overlooking the other. The wine has nuances of sun-dried kelp, scratched lemon peel, yellow peach and churned butter/almond meal richness. This is likely more in line with the vineyard expression "as we know it," with a floral lift through the finish. This is a really good wine here. It's nutty, salty and floral. 12.8% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

Wine Enthusiast : 95 Points

A medium-gold hue, this top-notch Chardy from New Zealand's North Island opens with rich, heady apricot and nougat aromas. There's a briny element—florals too—and a lactic, toasty underbelly. A juicy fruited tang on the elegant palate keeps the mouth watering. It's countered by a lovely slippery texture. A complete and totally delicious wine now, it could also evolve nicely over the next decade.