Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2022

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2022French oak Ripe stone fruit Grilled nut Silken texture "An attractive bouquet with aromas of sweet red apple and peach, theres some apricot and baking spice qualities, a light toasty wood quality and light mineral quality. Smooth and creamy on the palate with some fine tannins then acidity offering a light chalky texture before flavours of orchard fruits, apples and peaches return. Balanced and well made, ready to frink from 2023 through 2026" Cameron

• French oak
• Ripe stone fruit
• Grilled nut
• Silken texture

"An attractive bouquet with aromas of sweet red apple and peach, there’s some apricot and baking spice qualities, a light toasty wood quality and light mineral quality. Smooth and creamy on the palate with some fine tannins then acidity offering a light chalky texture before flavours of orchard fruits, apples and peaches return. Balanced and well made, ready to frink from 2023 through 2026" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Jan 2023

Classically Hawke's Bay in style, this Chardonnay reveals a fragrant nose of fresh citrus and ripe stone fruit, with complexing grilled nut characters from subtle French oak. A silken textured mouthfeel unfolds with layers of fruit, delicate oak spice and subtle mealy flavours topped with wonderful acidity.

The 2022 Hawke's Bay vintage was warm with frequent late summer rain presenting a few challenges. Meticulous vineyard management ensured the vast majority of fruit was harvested early across the region with generous ripe flavour's and in good condition.

Fruit from several prestigious Chardonnay vineyards throughout Hawke's Bay feature in this wine. Once harvested and pressed the resulting juice was fermented in a mixture of oak barriques (10% new) and tank with a combination of inoculated and wild yeast. Partial malolactic fermentation has added weight to the mid palate. Maturation on full yeast lees with regular stirring followed in barrel prior to the wine being blended and bottled.

Food Pairing: A classic match with most white meats, rich seafood dishes, cheese and salads. Also highly enjoyable on its own.