Villa Maria Estate Private Bin Chardonnay 2015

Sylvain Segard rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

Aromas of citrus fruit, white peaches, apples, gentle spices, and a hint butterscotch. The stone fruit and caramel flavours repeat in the mouth, which has a dry medium body and ends in a buttery apple tart finish. Score 88. (Reviewed Nov. 2016)

Lynn van der Linde rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

The grape growing region of Gisborne is located in the northeastern part of New Zealand, enjoying significant rainfall, and silt and clay soil composite, perfect for growing aromatic grapes like Viognier and Pinot Gris, as well as Chardonnay which makes up more than half of the grape varietals in this region. The soil is naturally irrigated - relying on natural rainfall for the grapes, which viticulturists refer to as "dry farming", as part of an organic grape growing practice.

On the nose, there is significant floral and tropical fruit notes, with a hint of smokiness on the back-end. Stone fruit on the palate and a lovely lingering fruit finish.
Wonderful with salmon or mixed salads.
Tasted Nov 2016.

Matt Steeves rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

A favourite of many New Zealanders, and soon to be for Canadians too when it makes its Canadian debut in Vintages in March 2017. This Gisborne Chardonnay highlights exactly why its maritime climate is so great for slowly ripening the fruit whilst retaining that refreshing acidity and balance. The nose shows yellow apple, orchard fruit, baked bread, lees, and butterscotch. The palate is creamy and refreshing with layers of apple and almond croissant persisting on the tasty finish. Enjoy with chicken Caesar or seared scallops and creamy risotto. Tasted November 2016. 89+ points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Lori Kilmartin WSET3 rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

This is a Chardonnay from Gisborne, the most easterly tip of New Zealand's North Island. 2015 was warm and dry so with no extra irrigation Villa Maria was able to extract lots of stone fruit aromas and flavours typical of this variety. The grapes from various sites in the region were fermented separately, 50% with natural yeasts and also saw some time in French oak. Medium body with a smooth mouthfeel and medium fruit (peach) finish. Tasted November 15, 2016.

Jane Staples rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

This extra-dry, medium-bodied Chardonnay from the Gisborne region of New Zealand has stone fruit, citrus and fig aromas. The palate repeats along with tropical banana and hint of oak. Gisborne has a maritime climate which is ideal for slow ripening of Chardonnay grapes and 2015 was an excellent vintage, warm and dry.
Tasted Nov. 2016

Pamela Chiles rated this wine as 88/100 with the following review:

Handled deftly in the vineyard and winery, this wine strikes a nice balance between an austere, unoaked Chard and a full-on oaky monster. Sourced from numerous vineyards in the Gisborne region, some of the juice was allowed a natural ferment with indigenous yeast. Most fermentation in tanks, a portion in French oak. Straw-yellow, apple, pear, citrus and very subtle spice, smooth texture and mellow acidity - very enjoyable.

Rachelle O'Connor rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

This wine has lots of fruit on the nose with lots of lemon, lime, ripe peaches on the palate - giving way to a creamy texture - it is medium bodied. The grapes for this wine are typically harvested from the consistently warm climate of Gisborne - and this vintage was no different - it was dry for the most part and the Maritime climate of this region gives way to luscious, ripe fruit in the glass - Chardonnay is well received in New Zealand - yet Canada consumes only about 100 cases of New Zealand Chardonnay annually - something that Villa Maria hopes to see increase in the not too distant future.