This unique white blend is said to be the revival of an ancient bottling created by Empress Hildegard, the first Queen of France. Delicate floral notes of jasmine and nectarine blossom add lift to subtle stonefruit aromas. Though a softer wine on the nose, the palate reveals a much more expressive flavour of white peach, lemon curd, and fatty macadamia nut. Flavours are balanced through textural complexity with a slightly oily feel that coats the mouth. Subtle aromas and fruit flavours are magnified through the wine's textural complexity. This allows Hildegard Chardonnay to pair beautifully with subtle, delicate flavours often found in Japanese cuisine while standing up to more poignant flavours in foods like fish or mushrooms. (VR)

Smelling like a terrific white Burgundy, the 2022 Hildegard is based on 50% Pinot Gris, 45% Pinot Blanc, and 5% Aligoté aged 16 months in new French oak. Ripe stone fruits, brioche, toasted almond, and some sappy herb notes all define the aromatics, and it hits the palate with medium-bodied richness, a focused, concentrated mouthfeel, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish. It's a serious white that deserves a classy meal. I’d drink bottles over the coming 4-5 years, but certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see it have an interesting evolution beyond that as well.