• French oak
• Ripe dark fruit
• Cocoa & sweet vanilla
• Silky tannins

"It is great to be able to taste this wine again - now that it has had a few more months in bottle. The core of black and red fruit remains the same - fresh, dark, varietal and at the core of the bouquet. Flavours on the palate include - doris plums and black cherry, black currant and black berries. The layer of oak brings foundation and contrast with a mild toasty wood layer, baking spices of clove and vanilla then finer wood tannins for complexity. Lengthy finish, balanced and well made. Best drinking upon purchase and through 2024+" Cameron Douglas, Master of Wine, Jun 2021

Deep purple coloured hues lead to a perfumed nose of dark fruits, cocoa, sweet vanilla and clove spices. The full bodied palate is soft and generous with ripe fruit, silky tannins and a smooth finish. Drink now or hold for up to 5-8 years when the wine will develop further complexity.

The winemaker's key focus is to be environmentally responsible and to operate using sustainable practices in order to protect the land for future generations. Villa Maria has farmed organically since 2002 gaining Biogro certification in 2009. The Organic vineyards are vibrant gardens alive with wildflowers and full of life. The Soler Vineyard is planted on free draining gravel soils well suited to applying organic farming principles.

The Hawke's Bay 2019 vintage followed an incredible summer, reds in particular enjoyed superb conditions for ripening. Upon crushing the grapes were inoculated with Bio-grow approved yeast. Post fermentation the wine was pressed to oak barriques, 25% new, for 18 months maturation.

Food Pairing: Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blends are particularly good when paired with robust, full flavoured dishes, red meat and cheeses.