2004 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon/Merlot

The 2004 Merlot/Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is a blend of 30% Merlot and 70% Cabernet sourced from the cool Omahu Gravels (30%), Ngakirikiri (30%) and Twyford Gravel (40%) in the Gimblett Gravels. An impressive swarthy Bordeaux blend with bold black cherry and cassis aromas on the nose, plump saturated tannins on the palate with a sumptuous, velutinous finish: a primal, rather hedonistic wine. Villa Maria is perhaps the most recognized names in New Zealand, founded in 1961 by George Fistonich who showed his wines at their impressive new facility located in an extinct volcano just outside Auckland airport that opened in 2005. Although they are one of New Zealand’s major producers, they remain family-owned and their philosophy has more in common with the boutique wineries than the major brands. They also own Esk Valley, Thornbury and Vidal whose notes can be found elsewhere. At the moment I find their Pinot Noirs rather forced and over-extracted but that is compensated by some outstanding Syrahs Importer, Vineyard Brands Inc., Birmingham, AL; tel. (205) 980-8802; fax (205) 980-0408