{"product_id":"villa-maria-ngakirikiri-cabernet-sauvignon-2018-750ml","title":"Villa Maria Ngakirikiri Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 (750ml)","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e \u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e‘Ngakirikiri’ in M?ori, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis Villa Maria flagship wine is only made when exceptionally rare conditions produce truly outstanding wines for consideration. Our Icon wines represents the pinnacle of our winemaking achievements and a milestone in Villa Maria’s history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTasting Notes\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eUpon pouring, this deep purple colored wine gradually yields notably intense and pure aromatics of cassis, black plum and anise, with ground coffee bean, graphite, fragrant thyme and cedar nuances also vying for attention. Layers of concentrated flavors emerge and flow beautifully across the palate from start to finish, with optimally ripe fruit, fine-grained tannins and supportive oak enhancing overall texture and richness at each point along the way. This full-bodied wine will benefit and gain additional complexity from careful cellaring over the next 15-20 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eBlend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot, 2% Malbec\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCritical Acclaim\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eWE95\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Wine Enthusiast\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Villa Maria's top red, a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Bordeaux blend, is named for the Maori word for gravel, referring to its famed Gimblett Gravels soils. This is a wine made for the long haul although even now, with ample time open in bottle or decanter, reveals finesse and character. The fruit is dark and fleshy with a spine of leafy green herbs, violet, tomato stem and baking spice. The palate is satiny yet toned and elegant, with linear, taut tannins, and currently quite a lot of oak influence. A worthy addition to any red-lover's cellar. Drink 2025–2045.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Cellar Selection\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e RP94\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e Robert Parker's Wine Advocate\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e The 2018 Ngakirikiri is a blend of 90% Cabernet Sauvignon, 8% Merlot and 2% Malbec, all aged in 60% new French oak for 20 months. Despite the barrel regime, the concentrated fruit easily comes through, offering up pristine aromas of cassis and plum, later accented on the finish by hints of dark chocolate and vanilla bean. Richly concentrated and velvety in texture, with a long, plush finish, this medium to full-bodied wine should drink well for over a decade.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e JS94\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e James Suckling\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAromas of ripe blackberries, blackcurrants, plum leaves, milk chocolate and lavender. It’s medium-bodied with fine, supple tannins. Fresh and creamy. Delicious finish.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Villa Maria","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":43876544643296,"sku":"108710","price":99.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0649\/9713\/0464\/products\/villa-maria-ngakirikiri-cabernet-sauvignon_1.jpg?v=1676905908","url":"https:\/\/www.mywineconnection.com\/products\/villa-maria-ngakirikiri-cabernet-sauvignon-2018-750ml","provider":"My Wine Connection","version":"1.0","type":"link"}