Villa Maria Single Vineyard Keltern Chardonnay 2024

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit writes "An exceptional offering, this is exquisitely elegant and poised with nuances of ripe stone fruit, lemon pith, wet limestone, subtle vanilla, and biscotti. The palate exhibits outstanding concentration and depth, wonderfully complemented by a finely flowing mouthfeel and perfectly infused acidity. The wine has a great presence and structure with a glorious line and length. At its best: 2028 to 2039."

Cameron Douglas MS writes "Delicately complex and pure fruited with a bouquet of fresh white peach and grapefruit, layers of mineral stone, a whisper of gun flint and white spice, judicious use of barrel with some baking spice complexities. Dry with a near full-bodied mouthfeel, nice acid line and length. Well made with best drinking from 2026 through 2029."

David Walker Bell, Wine Folio writes "A wine from a single vineyard in Hawke’s Bay, that has been a part of this label’s ‘icon’ offerings for many years, and is perhaps one of only a few vineyards that are well-known enough to really command a premium price by labelling as such. A pale straw-green colour in the glass. The bouquet is complex, led by a fruit basket array of peach, melon, grapefruit, satsuma and lemon. Add in cashew nut, cardamom, nutmeg, tarragon and a whisper of struck match reductivity, and the nose is broad and inviting. Full-bodied and dry to taste, with the warm edge of oak adding to the spiciness. Enough acidity to keep things turning over, and a mealy texture gives more depth to an already expansive palate. A good prospect for cellaring, but drinks well now."