Gold Medal – The National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand 2022
Gold Medal – Hawkes Bay Wine Awards 2023
Of all the 'newer alternative' grape varieties being produced in New Zealand, Albariño seems to be the one really making its mark and the Villa Maria group have led the way, from the value option Left Field Albariño to this benchmark wine from the 2022 vintage.
Winery notes (2022 Vintage)
"The 2022 Reserve Albariño displays intensely pure and expressive characters of ripe peach and citrus lime entwined with a subtle saline mineral complexity. The palate starts rich and concentrated before flowing to a long and sleek finish, where notes of lime brightly echo long after. Enjoy in its youth with fresh seafood or cellar for 2-3 years."
4 Stars Cuisine Alternative Whites Tasting 2023 (2022 Vintage)
"A medium colour in the glass with elegant aromas of crisp green apple, ripe stone fruit, and lemon peel on the nose. The palate is juicy and fresh with moderate intensity and a crisp, dry finish."
Reviews for the 2021 vintage below…
96/100 Judges Comments NWWA 2021 (2021 Vintage)
"Originating from the Galicia province in the north-east of Spain, Albariño grape has a fun attitude about it. It's crisp and lively with a nicely weighted body. This impressive rendition shows white flesh peach, jasmine and citrus peel notes with a brisk, crisp mouthfeel, making it ideal with grilled fish and salt & pepper squid."
5 Stars Michael Cooper (2021 Vintage)
"The 2021 vintage offers great value. A single-vineyard wine, grown near Maraekakaho, it was hand-picked and matured on its yeast lees for three months. Bright, light lemon/green, it is aromatic, full-bodied and packed with vibrant, citrusy, peachy, slightly spicy flavours, crisp, dry (2.9 grams/litre of residual sugar) and lasting. A great alternative to Sauvignon Blanc."