Villa Maria Single Vineyard Ihumatao Auckland Chardonnay 2018

Description

This wine displays a lemon straw hue in the glass. The nose offers a complex array of aromas featuring white peach, yellow grapefruit and roasted nuts with subtle flint and toast notes. A textured and layered palate unfolds revealing further complexity and poised acidity with a long elegant and delicate finish.

The Ihumatao Vineyard is located within a wind-protected volcanic basin on the edge of the Manukau Harbour in South Auckland. This ancient crater is estimated to be between 30-40,000 years old. The topsoil comprises of peat and clay above a basalt base. Vines range in age up to 15 years and are pruned to one bunch per shoot on VSP trellising.

Settled weather conditions late in 2017 provided optimum conditions for flowering and an even fruit set. Regular rain events within the important ripening months of February and March meant careful selection was crucial when hand harvesting the fruit.