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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Villa Maria Taylors Pass Chardonnaytext
92POINTS
17/20

Villa Maria Taylors Pass Chardonnay 2018

Awatere Valley, Marlborough, South Island, New ZealandFrom Taylors Pass Vineyard, on the northern banks of the Awatere River in southern Marlborough, this feels all of the refreshing coastal breezes travelling down the valley. From silty, stony gravels and reflective greywacke stones, this chardonnay was planted in 1999, partially wild fermented and entirely barrel fermented in barriques and puncheons (35% new). After 40% MLF, this spent 11 months on lees prior to bottling. Alluring layers of reduction weave throughout river stones, toasted popcorn, bright lemon pith and ample lees flood this structural palate, finishing with a riff of texture on the finish. This is a powerful example that drinks well now with food, but will reward with time in cellar.Tasted: 16 July 2020Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:
ON$34.00750mlconsignment
Producer: Villa Maria Estate Ltd.Distributors: Dandurand
Grape: ChardonnayUPC: 914416109102