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 2022 vintage is one of those “must try” wines – especially as the land has been sold and vines uprooted! It received an extremely smart 95/100 with Master of Wine Bob Campbell.

Bob said “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!”

Michael Cooper gave it full marks (5 Stars) and said “This impressive wine has been estate-grown at Mangere, in South Auckland, hand-picked, and fermented and matured in French oak barriques (about 30 per cent new). Bright, light yellow/green, the 2022 vintage (5*) is highly fragrant. Mouthfilling and sweet-fruited, it is vibrant and youthful, with deep stonefruit flavours, finely integrated oak and balanced acidity. Very refined, with obvious potential, it’s well worth cellaring to mid-2025+.”

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.