Villa Maria Ngakirikiri Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Cabernet 2019 (New Zealand) Rated 97DM

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Decanter Magazine Review
Rated 97
Villa Maria's icon wine, produced only in exceptional vintages. Always Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant, the 2019 also has 5% Merlot, and is aged for 20 months in barrel, 65% new. Ngakirikiri in M?ori refers to the unique soils of the Gimblett Gravels, whose diurnal temperature range, low-yielding vines and long growing season give ageworthy, ripe, aromatic reds. Christine Marsiglio MW: The nose is brooding, intense and aromatic - a difficult feat to achieve. Screams Cabernet, yet it's both elegant and powerful. Top stuff. Freddy Bulmer: Ample intensity on the nose, the palate spicy and full with sundried tomato, basil, cassis and Morello cherry. Pepper spice on the finish, with notes of iron. Huge potential. Roger Jones: Dark, brooding, complex fruit with cedar, violet, refined mocha and meat juices. Seamless, with hints of mint and tomato stalk. Drink 2023-2040.

Wine Tasting Notes
Upon pouring, the Villa Maria Ngakirikiri Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay Cabernet reveals a deep purple hue. Gradually, it unveils intense and pure aromatics of cassis, black plum, and anise. Ground coffee bean, graphite, fragrant thyme, and cedar nuances also make their presence known. As you savor this wine, layers of concentrated flavors emerge and gracefully glide across the palate. The fruit is perfectly ripe, the tannins are fine-grained, and the oak adds a supportive touch, enhancing the overall texture and richness. With careful cellaring, this full-bodied wine will continue to develop and gain complexity over the next 15-20 years.

95% Cabernet, 5% Merlot

Alcohol 13.5%