Villa Maria Keltern Vineyard Single Vineyard Chardonnay 2022 is a sleek, mineral-laced wine showcasing Hawke's Bay terroir, crafted by one of New Zealand's most celebrated family estates, and continues to earn critical attention and enthusiast favour.
TasteDisplaying a brilliant straw and lime-tinted hue, this Chardonnay opens with fragrant aromas of white nectarine, citrus blossom, and nougat, layered with hints of flint and toasted nuts. The palate is sleek, tightly woven, and unfolds gradually to reveal notes of ripe stone fruits, subtle sulphide complexity, and a long, mineral-driven finish of remarkable finesse and length.
ProducerVilla Maria is a benchmark producer in New Zealand, founded in 1961 by Sir George Fistonich and still family-owned. The renowned Keltern Vineyard, established in 1999 east of Maraekakaho in Hawke's Bay, has become synonymous with exceptional single vineyard Chardonnay. Its unique site, with silt loams over red metals and cooling influences from mountain air and the Ngaruroro River, enables careful hand-harvesting and minimal intervention winemaking. This commitment has seen Keltern repeatedly recognised as one of New Zealand's most acclaimed Chardonnay plots, setting it apart on the world stage.
Awards & Critic ScoresThe 2022 Keltern Chardonnay has received strong praise, with Bob Campbell MW (The Real Review) giving 92/100 and Rebecca Gibb MW of Vinous awarding it 91 points, noting its clarity, precision, and textured depth. While the 2022 vintage is described as slightly less rich than prior years, it still garners significant acclaim. Vivino user scores is 4.1, reflecting consistent approval from wine lovers.
What makes Hawke's Bay special?Hawke's Bay is special because it is New Zealand's oldest wine region and was recently recognised as one of the world's prestigious Great Wine Capitals, alongside Bordeaux and Napa Valley. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, a range of diverse soils...