McDiarmid Hill Chardonnay
Single Vineyard | Gisborne
McDiarmid Hill Chardonnay
Vintage 2022 
Description
Vintage
Vineyard
Majestically positioned on a north-facing hillside and graced with mature dry -farmed Mendoza vines, McDiarmid Hill is an iconic Gisborne vineyard. Handpicked fruit is gently pressed to fermentation in French oak barriques to produce powerful and complex Chardonnay.
The 2022 McDiarmid Hill harvest was highly regarded and followed a warm, dry summer that persisted long after the last grapes were picked. Having benefited from cooler evening temperatures in the lead up to harvest which intensified flavour and acidity, harvest of these naturally low yielding vines commenced earlier than normal with beautifully clean and ripe fruit, paving the way for our Winemakers to capture a sensational vintage.
McDiarmid Hill is Villa Maria's jewel in the crown Gisborne vineyard, beautifully positioned on an elevated north facing hillside slope in Patutahi. Taking full advantage of sunlight, drying wind conditions, slightly cooler temperatures and natural water drainage, the additional elevation provides a wonderful advantage for producing this consistently outstanding wine. Small parcels of mature dry farmed Mendoza vines provide for blending options, ideal for building complexity in the final wine.

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Elegant and complex

Tasting notes

  • Fig
  • Grilled Nuts
  • Tropical Fruit

McDiarmid Hill offers ripe tropical fruit aromas, fig and smoky grilled nut notes. The palate is lavishly textured, leading to a long finish extended by fine acidity. This bold, concentrated wine retains a balance that will appeal for immediate enjoyment but will also benefit from maturation, developing intriguing complexity over the next 5-8 years.

Pairing suggestions

How to enjoy our Chardonnay

  • Chicken
  • Garlic
  • Lemon

This delicious Chardonnay pairs perfectly with full flavoured savoury dishes such as chicken, veal and rabbit with creamy, garlic or lemon flavoured sauces.

 

Best served at: 10 °C / 50 °F

This is a full-bodied, toasty chardonnay that shows apricots, pie crust, lemon curd, vanilla and white chocolate.

93 POINTS

JAMES SUCKLING

Delicately luscious chardonnay with white peach, struck flint, lemon curd, and peppery French oak flavours.

93 points

Bob Campbell

An expressive bouquet, varietal, fresh, youthful and new. Aromas and flavours of fresh pear and lemon and vanilla.

93 points

Cam Douglas

Bright, light yellow/green, the 2022 vintage is mouthfilling, very fresh and vibrant.

Michael Cooper

Recipe pairing

Creamy Chicken Tagliatelle

Rich, cheesy, oh-so-delicious, this Creamy Chicken Tagliatelle with fried sage and walnuts is the ultimate comfort dish. It’s an ideal match to our Chardonnay with its touch of buttery oak and vibrant notes of stone fruits, citrus, and fig.

Get the recipe

Relaxed & beautiful

Gisborne

Boasting beautifully poised north facing vines and naturally draining soils on elevated hillside slopes. The region is known for its warm climate and high annual rates of sunshine. Just one reason Gisborne has become popularly regarded as New Zealand’s Chardonnay Capital.

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