Villa Maria SV Keltern Chardonnay Library Release Twin Pack

EXCLUSIVE AND VERY LIMITED AVAILABILITY!

98 POINTS: Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
98 POINTS: Bob Campbell, Master of Wine
96 POINTS: Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier
5 STARS: Michael Cooper

We are thrilled to present an exclusive Chardonnay opportunity for Wine Direct customers. A very special parcel of the 2018 and 2019 vintages from the renowned Keltern Vineyard. This is one of the greatest Chardonnay vineyards in New Zealand and, along with Kumeu River's Mate's Vineyard, can compete with the best from Burgundy (at half the price!)  

Villa Maria Estate has had a monopoly on this vineyard since its establishment in 1999. Located east of the Maraekakaho region in Hawkes Bay, the Keltern vineyard sits on an ancient riverbed directly in the path of cool air currents flowing down from a mountain range that flanks it to the west. The maritime influence is buffered by the Ngaruroro River, making this a distinct, inland site, with silt loams layered over red metals and large gravel stones that promote draining. Richer soils and cooler temperatures justified the plot’s suitability for Chardonnay, unlike Hawke’s Bay’s nearby and better-known Gimblett Gravels sub-region, famous for its red wines.

The 2018 and 2019 vintages are particularly good example of the Keltern style. Dominated by white flesh fruit (think with white peaches and nectarines). with classic flinty, slightly toasty, characters. Although they will continue to develop, we think both these wines are in a very drinkable stage in their development. In addition to the reputation of this vineyard, the critics absolutely love the wines with some of the highest scores we have seen for Kiwi wines.

We are offering these wines in a special 2-bottle collectors case, complete with tasting notes and more detailed information on the vintage and winemaking process!

ABV: 13.5-14%