A wine from Villa Maria’s ‘Single Vineyard’ range – the Twyford Gravels vineyard sits right in the middle of the Gimblett Gravels, in Hawke’s Bay. A dense ruby colour, quite dark and with just a touch of copper-brown to the edges. Perfumed with cherry, plum, christmas cake, liquorice and seville orange marmalalde – plus a medicinal green-menthol note. The palate shows a little age now (as does the nose) but has soft, pliant tannins plus juicy acidity. Savoury flavours of black olive, leather and tar still well with the smoky oak. The finish is dry and long – still drinking well after 20 years. 93pts
Villa Maria ‘Twyford Gravels Vineyard’ Merlot 2004
2004 through some interesting wines from a cooler vintage. Merlot and Syrah did particularly well.
I’ve had a few unexpected treats from 2004 Hawke’s Bay Merlots and Syrahs, yes.