Ngakirikiri speaks resolutely of place. This expressive Māori time period refers back to the distinctive soils of the Gimblett Gravels winery websites in Hawke’s Bay, but additionally captures the distinctly New Zealand character of an elite wine, constructed on power of character, perception and endurance.
Villa Maria first produced this excellent Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant mix in 2013, realising that such an distinctive classic deserved to face proudly as the corporate’s flagship launch. An age-worthy wine that can endure and present the good potential of Gimblett Gravels.
The excessive benchmark for Ngakirikiri has since been maintained. It is just produced in distinctive vintages, with painstaking consideration to element making it arguably essentially the most targeted wine Villa Maria has produced.
Such studied consideration to element captures the distinctive qualities of the stony Hawke’s Bay winery web site that was as soon as an historical riverbed. Its uncommon gravel soils have been deposited on flat land within the aftermath of an unlimited flood in 1867, when the Ngaruroro River burst its banks and adjusted its course. Farmers thought this harsh land was nugatory, however the gamble to plant purple Bordeaux grape varieties in 1981 proved to be a revelation. The free draining alluvial gravels prompted vine roots to delve deeper, producing grapes with intense, earthy flavours.
Villa Maria realised the potential of this improbable terroir and bought its first land within the area nearly three a long time in the past. Vines have been planted to type a vital a part of Gimblett Gravels, formally declared a separate 800-hectare wine rising area in 2001.
The primary launch of Villa Maria Ngakirikiri from the 2013 classic (a mix of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and three% Merlot) is a deliberate assertion of restrained energy. Stern in manner and durable in stature, its complicated fruit tapestry is framed by a natural lining and by fine-grained tannins that elegantly draw to a swish conclusion.
The 2014 Villa Maria Ngakirikiri tells a considerably totally different Cabernet story; certainly one of intricately entwined, sinewy flavours that talk in hushed, breathy tones reasonably than a roar.
The 2018 Villa Maria Ngakirikiri strikes in but a distinct path, with richer purple fruits intently embracing blackberry and mulberry, and the richness of espresso grounds with a lick of vanilla including oomph to the trace of spice.
The newly launched 2019 classic goes again to that angular precision, with agency, refreshing tannins supporting the finely carved flavours of plum, cranberry and bitter cherry. A savoury lining of liquorice, capsicum and tomato leaf provides nuance, elevate and a crunchy liveliness. This youthful verve, in addition to mineral features of graphite and moist stone, promise an awesome path of improvement. As does the strong poise with which the tannic construction carries the fruit and acidity.
Villa Maria Ngakirikiri makes a really distinctive assertion – that New Zealand produces elite Cabernet Sauvignon equal to the world’s finest examples, and courageously reveals itself to be distinctly totally different, exhibiting its distinctive terroir that defines a really particular a part of New Zealand. It shoulders iconic standing with confidence and assurance.
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