• French oak
• Sur lie style
• Stone fruit
• Roasted cashew

"Gorgeously elegant and complex, the wine shows white flesh stone fruit, lemon peel, popcorn and roasted cashew characters with a hint of flinty overtone. It's beautifully weighted and finely focused on the palate delivering bright fruit flavours with subtle oak nuances, finishing lingering and attractive. At its best: now to 2026" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Mar 2022

"Aromas and flavours of white and yellow peach, red apple and vanilla spices from wood. A fine satin texture touches the palate first followed by flavours of stone and tree fruits, some citrus then fine tannins of oak. Youthful with a refreshing acid line, persistent flavours and salivating textures. Great drinking from day of urchase and through 2027+" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Jul 2021

Sourced from our Te Awa and Soler Vineyards, and fermented using a natural 'Pied de Cuve' started in the vineyard, this Chardonnay reveals a fragrant nose of ripe stone fruit and citrus blossom with subtle notes of baking spice provided by fermentation in French Oak. The wine is matured ‘sur lie’ (on yeast lees) adding further richness and texture prior to bottling.

The 2021 Hawkes Bay vintage followed on from a warm and dry Summer. Harvest commenced earlier than normal in mid-February leading to Chardonnay being picked with full flavour and vibrant acidity. The fruit was gently pressed and the juice inoculated with a natural 'Pied de Cuve' started in the organic vineyard prior to being transferred to oak barrels (10% new) for fermentation. 9 months maturation with periodic battonage on full yeast lees followed prior to bottling.

Our key focus is to be environmentally responsible and to operate using sustainable practices in order to protect the land for future generations. Villa Maria has farmed Chardonnay organically since 2002, gaining Biogro certification in 2009. This vineyards are vibrant gardens alive with wildflowers and full of life.

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