Still 100% New Zealand and family owned, Villa Maria Estate has gone from strength to strength over the last 50 years and is now distributed worldwide. Dedication to quality remains unwavering and as a result, Villa Maria Estate has claimed the title of New Zealand’s Most Awarded Winery for over forty consecutive years.

Ngakirikiri is a presentation of the very best of Villa Maria’s holdings in the Gimblett Gravels appellation. Produced in only the most exceptional vintages with painstaking attention to detail, it is a highly aspirational project and arguably the most comprehensive and focused wine Villa Maria has ever produced.

Vineyards & Winemaking: 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. This wine from 2014 is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from one block in the ‘Vidal’ vineyard, different to the 2013 wine, which was a blend of several blocks.

Ngakirikiri’ in Maori 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.

Weather: 2014 will be noted as one of the regions great vintages. A particularly warm growing season, summer extended into March with blue skies prevailing for the majority of the harvest. Hawkes Bay with its coastal location and proximity to mountains, experiences a dry, maritime climate with an influential diurnal temperature range. Th e Gimblett Gravels sub-region is located approx. 15km inland and experiences temperatures typically warmer than its neighbouring localities, promoting ripeness to be achieved by low yielding vines planted in free draining soils. 2014 season growing degree day units finished ahead of the long-term average with 1544, and average rainfall for the months January through March was 93mm, 50% of the long-term average.

Technical Information:
Grape: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon | Single Vineyard
Region: Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Location of vines: Gimblett Gravels
Average vine age: Planted 2000
Vineyard: Vidal
Alcohol: 13.8 %
pH: 3.60
Production: 2,400 Bottles
Drink: Now to 2050

Tasting Note: 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. - Tasted by Cameron Douglas MS