Villa Maria Reserve Hawkes Bay Chardonnay 2020

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit writes "Gracefully elegant and stylish, showing rockmelon, peach, vanillin oak and oatmeal characters with a hint of lemon zest on the nose. The concentrated palate displays flowing texture and rounded mouthfeel, brilliantly structured by vibrant acidity, finishing impressively long and engaging."

Bob Campbell MW writes "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." 

Cameron Douglas MS writes "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+."

James Suckling writes "Attractive notes of toast, baked apples, cloves, dried pineapple, flint and lemons. Layered and complex, with beautiful energy and drive. Full body and ripe, but vibrant. Lengthy, toasty finish. Sustainable.”