Villa Maria Reserve Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2021
The Rock star is back in the studio
"Rich, ripe and creamy chardonnay..." No we are not talking about a Californian Chardonnay. We are referencing an iconic Reserve HB Chardonnay from the legendary stable of Villa Maria.
"Rich, ripe and creamy chardonnay peach, nectarine fruit flavours plus nutty barrel-fermentation characters and a suggestion of struck-flint. A moderately intense and sophisticated style from a top vintage. 5 Stars & 95/100 Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review
"A classic and alluring bouquet of ripe yellow fleshed stone fruits, a roasted brazil nut quality, baked apple and citrus peel. Moments of butterscotch and toasty barrel layer in complexity and familiarity. Full-bodied with a satin cream texture contrasted by acidity and new wood, fine-ish wood tannins and a lengthy finish. Delicious, classic and ready to enjoy from late 2022 through 2029+." Rated Excellent & 94/100 Cameron Douglas MS, February 2022
"An intense, modern, polished, 'reserve-style' wine that offers abundant peach, and nectarine fruit characters with smoky, charred barrel influence, and some funky sulfides adding complexity. While undeniably potent, the palate shows more freshness, and integration compared with the bouquet at this stage… the ripe peachy fruit flavours persist with a zesty lemon finish. Not quite integrated yet but has all the ingredients of a very smart wine." 5 Stars & 93/100 NZ Wine Rater, June 2021