The 2008 ANZWA Champion Exhibition White was the Villa Maria Reserve Hawke’s Bay Chardonnay 2006 (19.0-/20). Fruit from the Waikahu and Ngakirikiri sites. 14 months in 35% new French oak has contributed to the powerful nutty flavours. This was a wine of great depth, oak expression, alcohol and acidity, all in balance, resulting in substance and structure. Though showing signs of secondary development, this will keep well. RC Dec 08