Hunting Hill Chardonnay, Kumeu River 2018

Fermented and matured in 100% old oak barrels this year as with all Kumeu River's 2018s. The nose is classic Hunting Hill - lime, struck match and savoury, smoky undertones. The palate follows, with an almost saline, taut, savoury fruit core of citrus and green fruits. The lees work adds some body and a light creaminess, but the acid is brisk and refreshing, cutting through the flesh of the fruit and adding a complex florality through the mid palate. There are layers of texture here, first from the lees work and acidity and then a pithy dryness adding a chewy, moreish savoury quality on the back end. The finish is long and fine, but despite the high acidity this Hunting Hill is more approachable than it often can be. Ready to drink now with a light decant, it should drink well over the next 7 years.

Almost always the most opulent of the Kumeu Chards, the 2018 Hunting Hill Chardonnay fits that description perfectly. Loaded with white peach, pineapple and even melon-like fruit, those notes are sculpted by faint suggestions of pencilly oak in a generous but focused package. It's medium to full-bodied, with a creamy mid-palate and a vibrant finish. Drink 2019-2030.

This has plenty of rich, stone-fruit aromas with a fresh and quite crisp palate that has good focus and a sleek, gentle, pastry-like finish. Plenty to offer now, but is quite taut and linear. Drink or hold. Screw cap.