Villa Maria NGAKIRIKIRI Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 - Gimblet Gravels, New Zealand
Ngakirikiri’ in Māori refers to the unique soils that define the Gimblett Gravels growing appellation, uniquely situated on the former Ngaruroro riverbed which was left exposed following a historically significant flood event which permanently changed the rivers course in 1867. The first vines were planted in these arid soils in the 1980’s and this small area of 800 hectares has since become New Zealand’s epicentre for premium full bodied red wine production with a reputation for beautifully balanced, thought-provoking wines.
Ngakirikiri is only made when great vintages produce truly outstanding wines for consideration. This flagship wines represents the pinnacle of our winemaking achievements and a milestone in Villa Maria’s history.
Tasting Note
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
The Season
Hawkes Bay with it’s coastal location and proximity to mountains typically experiences a dry, maritime climate with an influential diurnal temperature range. Gimblett Gravels is located approx. 15km inland and experiences temperatures typically warmer than its neighbouring localities, promoting a consistent level of ripeness to be achieved by low yielding vines planted in free draining soils. The 2018 Hawkes Bay vintage followed on from one of the warmest summers on record providing superb conditions for ripening, with heat summation finishing well ahead of
the long-term average with 1500 Growing Degree Days (GDD’s). Although the white harvest commenced early with pressure from untimely rain, thick skinned later ripening reds were harvested in excellent condition under welcome blue skies and produced the greatest wines of the harvest.
Ngakirikiri’ in Māori refers to the unique soils that define the Gimblett Gravels growing appellation, uniquely situated on the former Ngaruroro riverbed which was left exposed following a historically significant flood event which permanently changed the rivers course in 1867. The first vines were planted in these arid soils in the 1980’s and this small area of 800 hectares has since become New Zealand’s epicentre for premium full bodied red wine production with a reputation for beautifully balanced, thought-provoking wines.
Ngakirikiri is only made when great vintages produce truly outstanding wines for consideration. This flagship wines represents the pinnacle of our winemaking achievements and a milestone in Villa Maria’s history.
Tasting Note
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
The Season
Hawkes Bay with it’s coastal location and proximity to mountains typically experiences a dry, maritime climate with an influential diurnal temperature range. Gimblett Gravels is located approx. 15km inland and experiences temperatures typically warmer than its neighbouring localities, promoting a consistent level of ripeness to be achieved by low yielding vines planted in free draining soils. The 2018 Hawkes Bay vintage followed on from one of the warmest summers on record providing superb conditions for ripening, with heat summation finishing well ahead of
the long-term average with 1500 Growing Degree Days (GDD’s). Although the white harvest commenced early with pressure from untimely rain, thick skinned later ripening reds were harvested in excellent condition under welcome blue skies and produced the greatest wines of the harvest.
Ngakirikiri’ in Māori refers to the unique soils that define the Gimblett Gravels growing appellation, uniquely situated on the former Ngaruroro riverbed which was left exposed following a historically significant flood event which permanently changed the rivers course in 1867. The first vines were planted in these arid soils in the 1980’s and this small area of 800 hectares has since become New Zealand’s epicentre for premium full bodied red wine production with a reputation for beautifully balanced, thought-provoking wines.
Ngakirikiri is only made when great vintages produce truly outstanding wines for consideration. This flagship wines represents the pinnacle of our winemaking achievements and a milestone in Villa Maria’s history.
Tasting Note
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
The Season
Hawkes Bay with it’s coastal location and proximity to mountains typically experiences a dry, maritime climate with an influential diurnal temperature range. Gimblett Gravels is located approx. 15km inland and experiences temperatures typically warmer than its neighbouring localities, promoting a consistent level of ripeness to be achieved by low yielding vines planted in free draining soils. The 2018 Hawkes Bay vintage followed on from one of the warmest summers on record providing superb conditions for ripening, with heat summation finishing well ahead of
the long-term average with 1500 Growing Degree Days (GDD’s). Although the white harvest commenced early with pressure from untimely rain, thick skinned later ripening reds were harvested in excellent condition under welcome blue skies and produced the greatest wines of the harvest.
WINERY
Villa Maria
GRAPES
Cabernet Sauvignon
REGION
New Zealand / North island / Hawke´s Bay / Gimblett Gravels
WINE STYLE
New Zealand Cabernet Sauvignon
ALCOHOL CONTENT
13.5%
ALLERGENS
Contains sulfites
FOOD PAIRING
Cabernet Sauvignon food pairing is best with nearly all red meat, including prime rib, New York strip and filet mignon. Also try lamb or pepper- crusted ahi tuna. The wine is best enjoyed with food and is great in sauces or reductions.
