It is my understanding that this was another example of the forward thinking of the legendary icon of the NZ Wine industry Sir George Fistonich. Under the “Library Release” programme the Villa Maria winemakers were encouraged to identify parcels of fruit deemed to be of exceptional quality, which had the attributes of being able to develop well with bottle age and that would show great complexity and could be released in future years. In my view they certainly hit the brief and knocked it out of the park with this wine. A blend of 62% Merlot and 38% Cabernet Sauvignon from the ‘Twyford’ and ‘Omahu’ sites, from vines 12-14 y.o. aged 18 months in 60% new French oak barrels with three ‘rack and returns’. Under screwcap.
Deep opaque ruby, yet is still bright and glossy. Wow! what a nose. Black fruit – boysenberry, blackcurrant, blackberry and plum along with perfumed notes of violets and old English roses. It delivers silky tannins combined with rich mouth-coating fruit that still has sweetness and concentration while being very elegant. The flavour profile of cassis, bramble and mocha along with some attractive oak is well balanced with soft, supple acidity. The finish is lingering and you are impulsively drawn back for another sniff of the enchanting aromas, texture and flavour of this wine. 97pts
