2009 ANZWA Champion Chardonnay,
the Villa Maria Reserve Gisborne
‘Barrique Fermented’ Chardonnay 2007 (19.5/20) at 14.0% alc, clone 95 and
Mendoza fruit from three sites, all barrel fermented with 70% inoculated
yeasts, aged 10 months in 44% new oak, with 50% undergoing MLF. Bright straw yellow in colour, this had a
huge, rich nose, full and broad with ripe tropical fruits, mealy, nutty oak
with distinctive toastiness. A
mouthfilling wine, quite opulent, yet with freshness from the excellent
acidity. Fully worked, and with an
openness to allow immediate enjoyment. A
Meursault style that will keep well for 4-5 years easily. RC Dec 09
Villa Maria Reserve Gisborne Barrique Fermented Chardonnay 2007
Trophy for Champion Wine of the Show at the 2009 Bragato Wine Awards. This is Gisborne, in fact New Zealand Chardonnay at its best, showing a richness and breadth combined with harmony and balance, giving an overall impression of restrained concentration and style. The ripe melon and citrus fruit flavors and superbly complexed by cashew nut oak and minerally acidity. The wine is is based on Clone 95 and Mendoza fruit from the western-edged, north-facing McDiarmid Hill vineyard. 30% wild yeast and 50% malolactic fermentations, and 10 months maturation in 44% new French barrels have yielded this powerful 14% alcohol beauty that is remarkably integrated in all its proportions. The wine is most enjoyable now, but will develop over the next 4-5 years. RC Sept 09
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