One of the single vineyard range of wines made by Villa Maria when they were arguably at their best and most influential around a decade ago. From the vineyard on the northern bank of the Awatere River in Marlborough. A pale straw-gold in the glass, with aromas of lemon, white peach, grapefruit, cashew, apple and baguette. Quite fine and light, with a delicate touch and a bright acidity to the fore. A nibble of savoury flavours breaks through the ripe fruit – green olive, nori and tarragon are noted – and some fine fruit tannin adds a pithy element and complexity. At over ten years old, the oak has retreated to a background toastiness, and the creamy texture cloaks the back of the palate. 93pts
Villa Maria ‘Taylors Pass Vineyard’ Chardonnay 2012
