2013 Ngakirikiri Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
The 2013 Ngakirikiri, Villa Maria’s flagship wine, comes from vines planted between 1992 and 1995 on the Gimblett Gravels, and sees 18 months in 52% new French oak. Deep in colour, it offers an impressive bouquet of violet-infused black fruit; touches of blueberry and cassis lend a tangible opulence to the Cabernet Sauvignon. The well-balanced palate displays grainy tannin, well-judged acidity and layers of plush blackberry laced with white pepper and thyme, leading to a refined finish. This is a very fine, beautifully crafted Cabernet that should drink well for a decade. Tasted on two separate occasions. Readers are advised to give this a two-hour decant.
Critic scores
Average Score
Lisa Perrotti-Brown MW, Wine Advocate
James Suckling
More reviews and scores
Is this perfection? No, it is better than that, if that is possible. The wine is perfectly formed and composed, and is very proper, but it offers more. Exceptional concentration, brilliant structure, impressive fruit purity and layers of delicious flavours with seamless mouthfeel make this stunning wine thought-provoking and sensually awe-inspiring. This predominantly cabernet sauvignon from their Ngakirikiri vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels district exhibits cassis, plum, floral and cedar characters with subtle cigar box, vanilla and game complexity. Powerful and graceful at the same time with plenty of fine, chalky tannins.
A blend of 97% Cabernet Sauvignon and 3% Merlot, the 2013 Ngakirikiri Cabernet Sauvignon (the first release of this new label) has a deep garnet-purple color, with intense cassis, blueberry and blackberry aromas over notes of pencil shavings, cloves, lavender and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, the taut, elegant palate has good ripe tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with lovely poise.
Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2013 Ngakirikiri Vineyard gives pronounces cassis, blackberry and red currant notes with hints of cigar box, cloves, cedar and Mediterranean herbs. Medium-bodied, tightly wound and youthful in the mouth, it has a firm backbone of grainy tannins and refreshing acidity supporting the muscular black fruits, finishing with a herbal lift.