One of New Zealand’s great Chardonnays, from a single vineyard site in Hawke’s Bay. This is the last vintage under the old label – changing to the more distinctive Single Vineyard label for the 2018. Sealed under screw cap. A pale straw colour in the lass, lighter at the rim, with a touch of lime green. The perfume is striking and intense, with pear, grapefruit, white peach, wood smoke, cashew nut, lemon oil and tarragon. Still quite crisp and bright into the palate, with a zing of acidity. Showing a little more age mid-palate, with the fruit edging towards ripe and golden, but still well-balanced in that bold fashion. Alongside the oak spiciness there is a mouth-filling textural creaminess which is saved from being cloying or blowsy by the acidity, and the finish has great length. 95pts
Villa Maria Keltern Vineyard Chardonnay 2017
