With Villa Maria Single Vineyard series now being released together on the 1st November annually, this is a good opportunity to look at one of my favourites – an Auckland wine from vines adjacent to the company headquarters.
A vibrant pale lemon-green in the glass, with intensely aromatic nose that starts with a smoky minerality, then dives into grapefruit, nectarine, yuzu, roast almond, apple, allspice and lemon blossom. Elegant, with a restrained tightness and yet a real sense of power into the ripe, concentrated palate. Dry, with some pithy fruit tannin to balance the unctuous fruit. Great acidity, with drive and plenty of toasty, vanilla and spice oak influences. Complex, and plush, with some brioche and biscuit flavours sneaking around, before a creamy texture cocoons it all, and you slink into the long, succulent finish. 95pts.
