Villa Maria Single Vineyard Ihumatao Chardonnay

Villa Maria have made a name for themselves as one of NZ’s best Chardonnay producers. Ok, probably the best.

Their Single Vineyard series are wines produced from exclusive, small parcels of land from their vast selection of amazing vineyards up and down the country. That includes a very special site right there at Villa’s HQ in Auckland – their Ihumatao Vineyard.

The area (pronounced as “ee-hoo-ma-tau” by some locals) is actually thought to be the oldest Maori settlement in Auckland and this vineyard actually sits in a wind protected, volcanic basin on the edge of the Manukau harbour. Yep, that’s right. This is Chardonnay from Tāmaki Makaura!

This 2021 vintage is one of those “must try” wines – especially if the land is sold and vines eventually uprooted! It received an extremely smart 95/100 with Master of Wine Bob Campbell.

Bob said “Intense and quite complex chardonnay with peach/stone fruit, struck flint, oyster shell, hazelnut and spicy oak flavours. Elegant and attractive wine with a dry and lingering finish.”

The more elegant style Chardonnay like this pairs best with dishes like pan fried fish, chicken breast or sautéed scallops in light buttery, creamy sauces. Drink now to 2027.