2022 Keltern Chardonnay, Villa Maria, Hawkes Bay
This is the top white wine from household name Villa Maria, founded back in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich. This single vineyard is inland, on a dry river bed, with gravel, iron and silt. There are cool breezes from mountain ranges to the west, and further cooling influence from the nearby Ngaruroro River. 2022 was an early harvest, and careful hand-harvesting and sorting of fruit drive Villa Maria's approach to their single vineyards. The palate is rich and creamy, kept in check by some crisp oyster shell sensation and brisk acidity.