2022 Villa Maria Reserve Hawke's Bay Chardonnay

Brand	Villa Maria Estate
Region	Hawkes Bay
Varietal	Chardonnay
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	13.5%
Vintage	2022
Country	New Zealand

The exceptional quality of Villa Maria's Reserve Hawke's Bay wines starts in their glittering collection of Gimblett Gravel’s and inland vineyards. In this Multi 95/100 rated 2022 Reserve Chardonnay the contributing vineyards are as good as it gets! A selection of Mendoza (60%), Cl15 (28%) and 548 (12%) clonal fruit is hand harvested off Kokako Farms Vineyard in Ohiti Valley (36%) Te Awa Vineyard (35%) Keltern vineyard (29%). When these pristine Chardonnay grapes arrive at the winery… their stellar winemaking team swing into action. Gentle whole bunch pressing allows for the finest quality of juice to be run directly into French oak barriques for natural fermentation. Once complete the individual parcels are matured on yeast lees with regular bâtonnage (stirring) for up to 14 months. The finest barriques were then identified and blended and the wine was aged for an additional 6 months on full lees in stainless steel tank to completely unify before preparation for bottling. 2022 is another exceptional Multi 95/100 rated Villa Maria Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay from an excellent Chardonnay vintage. It has amazing purity of stone fruit, a kiss of flint with a seductively mealy, creamy finish that is relentless. Expect it to improve a lot more in the bottle through 2028-2030. However, it’s seriously enjoyable already as a 3yo release.

Gorgeous Buttered popcorn, crusty toasted sourdough with smoky, flinty burnt match plus seductive hazelnut. The more you swirl the glass, additional aromas of ripe stone fruits emerge giving way to apple tart, nougat, and cinnamon… very complete.

Intensely concentrated and layered on the palate, a classic Villa Maria style that has richness and restraint. A stonefruit laden centre, with seductive nut, nougat and baking spice complexities. They manage to capture these contrasting characteristics perfectly every time. Combining fruitiness, complexity and a creamy texture all laced together by a crystalline acid thread. Sensational Chardonnay that takes its place among the great Hawke's Bay wines we’ve tasted. Serve with your favourite white protein… and savour by itself!