Tonight’s tasting focused on Hunter’s 20 years of Miru Miru sparkling wine. Hosted by winemaker Inus van de Westhuizen who has been the specialist Sparkling wine maker at Hunters for over 10 years. Hunters can rightly claim to be Marlborough’s premiere sparkling wine producer, winning numerous awards and trophies both here and internationally. They have had particular success at the Sparkling Wine World Championships (UK) winning the Trophy for Champion NZ bubbly for the past three years. Establishing in 1979, with the first vintage release in 1981, Hunters are certainly one of the pioneers of Marlborough wine making and and it has to be said that their wines punch well above their price points for delivering quality and consistency.

MiruMiru™ NV

New release methode traditionelle. Blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier aged 18 months on lees. Fresh and clean tasting with fine bubbles and lingering taste. There’s a nice hint of Brioche yeastiness to go with the citrus fruitiness.

MiruMiru™ Rosé NV

Just the third release and very limited production bubbly. Pinot Noir 55%, Chardonnay 42% and Pinot Meunier 3% aged on lees for 38 months. With the success of Miru Miru Jane wanted to add her favourite style to the range and hence the creation of a Rose. A beautiful pale copper hue, with a perfect balance between the strawberry, cranberry brioche flavours and a light savoury, pink mushroom character. Dry and crisp and very good.

MiruMiru™ Reserve 2013

Pinot Noir 62%, Chardonnay 33% and Pinot Meunier 5% aged on lees for just over 3 years. Big, rich with plenty of yeastiness. Impressive.

MiruMiru™ Reserve 2008

From Hunters own cellars. This is quite quite developed with noticeable mushroomy, secondary characters. Rich and intense but starting to look a bit tired. It should be noted that Hunters now use a much better quality of cork that will last much longer.

Hunter’s Pinot Gris 2017

A dry style of Pinot Gris. All free-run juice to avoid any harsh phenolic characters with a portion wild-fermented in older French oak. Flavours of ripe stonefruits, a hint of honeysuckle; relatively light bodied, but good texture. Good drinkability and was a very popular wine with the tasters.

Hunter’s Chardonnay 2016

We’ve always rated Hunter’s Chardonnay as one of the best valued buys. 100% barrel fermented in 20% new French oak and aged for 10 months in barrel. Immediately on the nose you get roasted nut/cashew with stonefruits and some mealiness. The palate is satisfyingly full with apple/citrus notes adding freshness.