2018 Villa Maria Ngakirikiri Cab Sauv | Gimblett Gravels
Accolades
100 points & 5 Stars, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
Superbly concentrated and weighted, delivering exceptional depth and richness, while remaining perfectly balanced and structured.
97 points, Cameron Douglas
Immediately captivating with aromas of dark berries and brooding complexity. On the palate - youthful, varietal, compact, taut and delicious. Firm tannins have a satin polish to them, an abundance of acidity. Lengthy finish, complex and very appealing.
98 points & 5 Stars, Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review
96 points, Rebecca Gibb, Master of Wine, Vinous
95 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
Ngakirikiri in Maori, refers to the unique gravel soils that define the Hawkes Bay, Gimblett Gravels growing appellation, a befitting name for this stony Hawkes Bay vineyard sited on what was an ancient riverbed. The Gimblett Gravels sub-region is a majestic site with a reputation for beautiful and thought-provoking wines.
- Villa Maria
94 points, James Suckling
“Upon pouring, the deep-ruby hued 2018 vintage gradually unfolds fragrant aromatics of cassis, violets and complex wood spices, with graphite, thyme and clove also emerging from the glass. Layers of concentrated flavours are revealed across a medium to full bodied frame, with ripe fruit and hints of black olive and cigar, all wrapped by fine-grained tannins and supportive oak, enhancing texture and richness from start to finish. This vintage will benefit and gain additional complexity from careful cellaring over the next 15+ years.”
Nick Picone, Chief Winemaker
Accolades
100 points & 5 Stars, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
Superbly concentrated and weighted, delivering exceptional depth and richness, while remaining perfectly balanced and structured.
97 points, Cameron Douglas
Immediately captivating with aromas of dark berries and brooding complexity. On the palate - youthful, varietal, compact, taut and delicious. Firm tannins have a satin polish to them, an abundance of acidity. Lengthy finish, complex and very appealing.
98 points & 5 Stars, Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review
96 points, Rebecca Gibb, Master of Wine, Vinous
95 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
Ngakirikiri in Maori, refers to the unique gravel soils that define the Hawkes Bay, Gimblett Gravels growing appellation, a befitting name for this stony Hawkes Bay vineyard sited on what was an ancient riverbed. The Gimblett Gravels sub-region is a majestic site with a reputation for beautiful and thought-provoking wines.
- Villa Maria
94 points, James Suckling
“Upon pouring, the deep-ruby hued 2018 vintage gradually unfolds fragrant aromatics of cassis, violets and complex wood spices, with graphite, thyme and clove also emerging from the glass. Layers of concentrated flavours are revealed across a medium to full bodied frame, with ripe fruit and hints of black olive and cigar, all wrapped by fine-grained tannins and supportive oak, enhancing texture and richness from start to finish. This vintage will benefit and gain additional complexity from careful cellaring over the next 15+ years.”
Nick Picone, Chief Winemaker
Accolades
100 points & 5 Stars, Sam Kim, Wine Orbit
Superbly concentrated and weighted, delivering exceptional depth and richness, while remaining perfectly balanced and structured.
97 points, Cameron Douglas
Immediately captivating with aromas of dark berries and brooding complexity. On the palate - youthful, varietal, compact, taut and delicious. Firm tannins have a satin polish to them, an abundance of acidity. Lengthy finish, complex and very appealing.
98 points & 5 Stars, Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review
96 points, Rebecca Gibb, Master of Wine, Vinous
95 points, Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
Ngakirikiri in Maori, refers to the unique gravel soils that define the Hawkes Bay, Gimblett Gravels growing appellation, a befitting name for this stony Hawkes Bay vineyard sited on what was an ancient riverbed. The Gimblett Gravels sub-region is a majestic site with a reputation for beautiful and thought-provoking wines.
- Villa Maria
94 points, James Suckling
“Upon pouring, the deep-ruby hued 2018 vintage gradually unfolds fragrant aromatics of cassis, violets and complex wood spices, with graphite, thyme and clove also emerging from the glass. Layers of concentrated flavours are revealed across a medium to full bodied frame, with ripe fruit and hints of black olive and cigar, all wrapped by fine-grained tannins and supportive oak, enhancing texture and richness from start to finish. This vintage will benefit and gain additional complexity from careful cellaring over the next 15+ years.”
Nick Picone, Chief Winemaker
Vintage - 2018
750ml
Varieties: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Malbec
