A wine from the Gimblett Gravels sub-region of Hawke’s Bay, in one of the absolute legendary vintages for reds in the North Island. A slightly opaque dark crimson colour in the glass – with just a touch of browning to the rim. The bouquet is varietally pure, showing classic Merlot character of plum, cherry, blackberry, orange peel, dried mint, vanilla and liquorice. Very smooth in the palate, with integrated oak, fruit, acidity and fine, soft tannins. Some secondary, savoury notes of old leather, cigar box and tapenade filter into the back of the palate, with a touch of christmas cake rounding things out. Plush, nicely spiced and with a long finish. 93pts
Villa Maria Reserve Merlot 2013
