Villa Maria Single Vineyard Ihumatao Auckland Chardonnay 2022

Description

Grapefruit, Oak, Peach

"Rich, creamy and texturally seductive wine with Golden Queen peach, tree-ripened apple, mineral, bran biscuit, grapefruit, vanilla and spicy oak flavours. A real mouthful!" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Aug 2023

"Aromas and flavours of fresh peach and nectarine, then a sweeter citrus note followed by barrel spices and nut and butter quality. Plenty of weight and texture as the wine touches the palate, a hint of gun flint then baking spices and yellow fruits of the orchard. The citrus scent from the bouquet returns on the palate adding breadth and complexity. Overall a balanced and well made wine, sadly too - the last from this site as I understand the vines have all been pulled. Best drinking from 2024 through 2028" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Aug 2023

This wine has a pale lemon straw hue and displays a beautiful array of aromas and flavours. The nose peach and yellow citrus notes combining with bran biscuit, fresh pastry, hazelnuts, flint and toast. With succulent mid-palate mouthfeel reveals fine textural complexity and poised acidity leading to an elegant finish.

2022 is the final vintage from our Ihumatao vineyard.

Settled weather conditions late in 2021 provided an optimum environment for flowering and even ripening months of January and February were warm and dry, perfect conditions for berry flavour occurred over weeks in late February and the first week of March.

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