Hunter’s Wines is one of Marlborough’s most highly acclaimed wineries at national and international wine competitions and they’re still breaking new ground with new varietals, new wine-making techniques and consistently seeking the best for their wines.
I recently had the pleasure of tasting and reviewing five wines from the Hunter’s Wines range, my thoughts are posted below: but first here is a little background into the history of Hunter’s, one of the pioneer vineyards and wineries in Marlborough.
Hunter’s Wines is the only Marlborough vineyard established in the 1970s to still be owned by its original family. Hunter’s has always been a true family affair. It is managed by Jane Hunter and her brother-in-law Peter Macdonald. Jane’s sister Libby (Macdonald) and Peter’s two sons, James and Edward, are firmly entrenched in the business too.
Ernie Hunter was the spark that started the winery back in the early 1980’s at the very beginning of the wine industry in Marlborough. Sadly in 1987 Ernie passed away in a tragic motor accident, but through Jane’s strong determination she resolved to build on the vineyard’s proven potential and success. Since 1979, their vineyards have increased from a handful of hectares to over 80 hectares across the region.
“If there is one company that started the whole international story called Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc it is Hunter’s Wines – they got the magic started” – Bob Campbell MW
You can read this illustrated timeline of their history here: https://hunters.co.nz/our-story
Hunter’s Wines recently purchased a 24-hectare vineyard in the Waihopai Valley, Marlborough. This acquisition strengthens their commitment to producing quality Marlborough wines for domestic and international markets. Located in the Waihopai Valley, the vineyard has Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc plantings. The Pinot Noir grapes from this site will be a key component of their MiruMiru sparkling wine. They anticipate the Waihopai Valley fruit will contribute distinctive characteristics to the final blend.
“This vineyard is a valuable addition to our estate-owned land,” says James Macdonald, our winemaker. “The Waihopai Valley has a reputation for producing good fruit. The Pinot Noir grapes are promising, and we look forward to incorporating them into our MiruMiru™.”
THE PLACE
The Cellar Door is housed in the charming original farmhouse on our Rapaura Road Winery site. In late 2017, they undertook a renovation of the Cellar Door while preserving the farmhouse/villa characteristics that lend it a distinct and inviting ambiance. The Cellar Door is Open five days a week for light meals and wine tastings.
Join them for a memorable wine tasting experience, where our knowledgeable staff will guide you through the distinctive flavors and aromas of our exceptional wines. Take a leisurely stroll through our native garden, marveling at the diverse flora that graces our estate. Or find a tranquil spot in the Cellar Door garden, where you can unwind with a glass of wine in hand and indulge in a light lunch from our menu. You can even take a leisurely stroll through their native garden, where you can appreciate the beauty of nature in its purest form.
Nestled discreetly at the rear of the winery, Hunter’s is home to an olive grove. Since its inception in 1996, Jane and Mac have nurtured this special corner of our estate. Each year, they embark on the annual olive harvest, carefully hand-picking the fruit. The result is a remarkable estate-grown Olive Oil that can be savored and purchased at the Shop or Cellar Door during your visit.
To learn more about the wonderful experiences you’ll enjoy when you visit Hunter’s Wines, click here: https://hunters.co.nz/our-place
THE WINES
Hunters have three ranges / labels in their portfolio.
Hunter’s Wines, the main wine range is from varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling Pinot Gris, Gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir. https://hunters.co.nz/our-wine
Offshoot Wines where the team experiment in the vineyard and winery to try and create something a bit different – Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and a Pet-nat Red are the current wines. https://hunters.co.nz/offshoot
MiruMiru – Sparkling wines, both a Non Vintage bubbles and a Rose are produced along with their Reserve Vintage MiruMiru
https://hunters.co.nz/mirumiru
JB’s Tasting Notes
HUNTER’S WINES SAUVIGNON BLANC 2024
Pale straw in colour with subtle green-gold hues. In the nose there’s aromas of ripe passion-fruit, green gooseberry, tart citrus & limes. On the palate, juicy tart grapefruit, gooseberry & tropical fruit flavours reflect the nose. A crisp acid backbone & stony minerality, are balanced by a light creamy mouthfeel, a little residual sweetness & a long dry, moreish finish. A delicious, fruit driven Marlborough SB.
HUNTER’S WINES CHARDONNAY 2023
Bright, shiny pale lemon – gold in colour. Fragrant nose of peach, nectarine & grapefruit aromas, a hint of smoke, vanilla & barrel spice notes too. The fresh & textured palate has juicy yellow & white stone-fruit & grapefruit flavours, a nice line of lemon citrus acidity & oak influence, creamy mouthfeel adds depth. Hints of cashew nut & spice on a lovely long dry finish. A very drinkable young Chardonnay.
HUNTER’S WINES PINOT NOIR 2023
Bright translucent raspberry – ruby red in colour to the rim. Aromas of red plums, dark cherries, some savoury earth, mushroom notes and spice in the nose. On the palate, fruit flavours of raspberries, red plums and cherries, baking spices too. Lovely balance with soft silky tannins, a fine acid line & subtle texture from oak all adding character and finesse. The lush fruity finish is dry, complex and memorable. Excellent!
HUNTERS WINES MIRUMIRU NV
Clear mid gold in colour, fine persistent mousse on pouring. A fragrant nose of ripe peach, red berry and lemon citrus aromas, subtle nutty, leesy notes follow. The palate is juicy, fresh and textural with peach, green apple and berry fruit flavours, a zesty citrus acidity softened with light creamy mousse and some nutty lees influence. Tasty, Crisp off dry finish. Delicious! MiruMiru translates as ‘Bubbles’ in Te Reo / Maori. Comprised of 49% Chardonnay, 48% Pinot Noir & 3% Pinot Meunier, full malolactic fermentation & 18 months on lees.
HUNTER’S WINES MIRUMIRU RESERVE 2020
Pale lemon – gold in colour – creamy mousse on pouring, tiny persistent bubbles / bead. An aromatic nose of stone-fruit, berry, lemon citrus and vanilla biscuit aromas. Crisp citrus, juicy stone-fruit and green apple flavours on the palate, a nice citrus bite / acidity, then nutty, leesy, creamy layers of complexity and texture follow – long, intense dry finish. Comprised of 77% Pinot Noir & 23% Chardonnay, full malolactic fermentation & aged on lees in bottle for a minimum of three years before disgorgement. Gorgeous!
If you’d like a wine or two reviewed by JB, visit: https://nzwinedirectory.co.nz/about/submit-wine-for-review/