A Hawke’s Bay wine – from the Gimblett Gravels sub-region. Inkily dark ruby claret colour in the glass. Smoky, black fruits on the nose, with blackcurrant, bramble, plum and boysenberry, enhanced with vanilla, tobacco and blood orange aromas. Ripe and concentrated, with succulent fruit across this youthful, vibrant palate. Superb tannins – chewy, dry and ripe, just delicious. Layered savoury elements of graphite, soy, pepper, tapenade, leather and mocha are also at play around that core of tannin and toasty oak. Finishes powerfully – firm and intense. I’d recommended further cellaring and/or decant before serving. 94pts
Villa Maria Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot 2019
