2022 Villa Maria Single Vineyard Ihumatao Chardonnay

Brand	Villa Maria Estate
Region	Auckland
Varietal	Chardonnay
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	13.0%
Vintage	2022
Country	New Zealand

Villa Maria Ihumatao Chardonnay quickly rose to prominence as one of NZ’s finest Single Vineyard Chardonnays after its first release in 2005. The vineyard was planted in 30-40,000-year-old soils on Villa Maria’s new Ihumatao Head Office/Winery site. It took only a couple of vintages for the critics to begin handing out high ratings to Ihumatao and premium Chardonnay drinkers to add it to their annual must have shopping lists. Crafted in a more elegant style (NZ meets White Burgundy) – over 17-vintages it has earned prestige status among NZ Single Vineyard Chardonnays… it’s relentless accumulation of awards & ratings phenomenal. With the wind up of Villa Maria… the Ihumatao property was sold to commercial interests and this jewel of a Chardonnay vineyard was lost forever. This 2022 vintage is the last harvested off this amazing vineyard. 95/100 Bob Campbell MW, 5 Stars Michael Cooper and 96/100 from our tasting panel… 2022 was a great vintage and exceptional wine to sign off on this magnificent vineyard. Hand harvested, wild yeast fermented, aged in 100% French oak barriques, 31% new… the rest 1-3 years old. After 14-months in barrel with regular lees stirring, the final blend is settled in tank for 2-months pre-bottling. 2022 is a gorgeous “World Class” Ihumatao Chardonnay… a fitting way to say goodbye. It will drink beautifully through 2032+ if well stored.

Pure white peach & nectarine with nougat, freshly toasted nuts, almond meal, and spice.

Biscuity nougat and fresh spiced peach, with a creamy texture allied to mouth-watering stone fruit acidity. Complex and gorgeous, with hints of Jasmine and shortbread through the pure, persisting finish, this is benchmark Chardonnay from one of NZ's finest producers. Drinking well now through 2032… an ideal partner with pork or chicken dishes.