Pinot Noir
75cl * 14% ABV * Auckland, New Zealand
In 1994 the Kumeu Estate established new plantings of Pinot Noir with the aim of producing red wine to rival the quality of their Kumeu River Chardonnay. To this end only the best new planting material available from Burgundy was chosen, and grafted onto extremely low-vigour rootstocks to limit the yield and intensify the flavour of this wonderfully aristocratic grape variety.
The 2020 vintage is the sixth release of Hunting Hill Pinot Noir with no 2016 or 2018 being made. The 2020 vintage was excellent for Pinot Noir on Hunting Hill with everything harvested in perfect conditions. There is a beautiful purity of ripe cherry fruit and almond on the nose with a hint of gaminess. The palate is texturally supple but carrying enough tannin to let this wine take on some nice bottle age.
This pinot will pair excellently with dishes with a touch of spice like crispy duck pancakes, pulled-pork or even herb-crusted rack of lamb.
"West-coast breezes cool this north-facing, undulating site. Clay soils. They replaced some virused Chardonnay with Dijon clones of Pinot. Aged for 12 months in oak (10–15% new). Bright, deep garnet. Big and rich – much richer than the Rays Road 2020. Quite voluptuous. Just kept in check by NZ acidity. Some intense strawberry fruit. Velvety texture. Again just very slightly hard on the end. But it’s already delivering lots of pleasure. My guess is that Rays Road Pinot will catch up with this one in terms of sophistication. Drinking range: 2023 - 2027" 16.5/20 Points, Jancis Robinson OBE MW (Sept 2023)
"The 2020 Pinot Noir Hunting Hill is a silken, spiced and savory style. It has a ripe, expressive personality that invites you in. Its floral and sweet fruit open proceedings before becoming progressively more savory. Smoky paprika notes join meaty characters, reminiscent of a good Spanish chorizo sausage. It's clear there's plenty of concentration with a serious and firm finish. Mid-weight at most. Pinot Noir really shouldn't thrive in this part of New Zealand. The Brajkovich family seems to have the Midas touch. Drinking range: 2023 - 2029." 90/100 Points, Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous.com (Apr 2023)