Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Marlborough Pinot Noir 2018

Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Marlborough Pinot Noir 2018French oak Juicy raspberries Spices & mocha Velvet smooth tannins "The bright cherry notes on the nose are inviting, however the real attractiveness is in the complex palate. It's the exact balance between juiciness and the weighty fruit profile alongside the cedar toast and complex herbal notes intertwines with salivating acidity that really make this Pinot stand up. Very well crafted" Cuisine Magazine "Immensely complex and elegant at the same time,

• French oak
• Juicy raspberries
• Spices & mocha
• Velvet smooth tannins

"The bright cherry notes on the nose are inviting, however the real attractiveness is in the complex palate. It's the exact balance between juiciness and the weighty fruit profile alongside the cedar toast and complex herbal notes intertwines with salivating acidity that really make this Pinot stand up. Very well crafted" Cuisine Magazine

"Immensely complex and elegant at the same time, offering sweet cherry, spicy oak, olive and subtle vanilla notes on the nose, leading to a finely layered palate that's juicy and persistent. Splendidly proportioned and harmonious with a super-long silky finish. At its best: now to 2028" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Jul 2021

"Aromas of red berries and baking spices, stony mineral layers and a light savoury dried herb complexity. On the palate - youthful, textured, tense and dry .Flavours reflect the bouquet with a mix of red currant and dark berries, savoury baking spices and barrel flavours. Firm tannins and plenty of acidity. A lovely wine with a decent structure and length. Well and and complex. Best drinking from day of purchase and through 2028" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Aug 2021

"Light, fresh, supple pinot noir with cherry, raspberry, struck-flint, wood-smoke and new leather flavours supported by gentle tannins and soft acidity. An accessible wine that has been made with a light touch" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Jul 2021

"This wine offers lovely precision and a fine thread of acidity from start to finish, stemming from both the site and the 19% whole clusters. There's ripe yet piquant red fruit, as well as an intriguing note of white stone fruit ‚Äì think what the merest splash of Viognier does to Syrah and you'll have the right idea in terms of flavor. There's a touch of vanilla sweetness from the oak (36% new French over 14 months) but it's well integrated within the package. Tannins are supple and richly textured. While there's a sense of depth on the midpalate, there's a tension throughout. All in all, rather classy" Rebecca Gibb, Master of Wine

This wine is a single vineyard expression of the Taylors Pass site, showcasing an intense bouquet of ripe juicy raspberries and blueberries with hints of baking spices. A harmonious palate delivers mocha notes intermingled with red cherries, subtle dried herbs and finishes with velvety smooth tannins.

Taylors Pass Vineyard sits on the northern bank of the Awatere River, running east to west through the Awatere valley and out to the Clifford Bay in the Pacific Ocean. The vineyard is warm and sheltered from the cool southerly breezes that flow down through the valley from the mountains.

The season started with an excellent spring and a strong flowering period, hot weather and regular rainfall. Warm temperatures and ample soil moisture meant harvest started earlier while cool weather retained natural acidities. Hand harvesting from key vineyards allowed harvest plans to be dynamic and provided a great opportunity to craft quality wines.

Fruit is chilled overnight 19% whole clusters, balance is destemmed. 100% wild fermentation with native yeast hand plunged daily, total time on skins 21-28 days. 14 months in 36% new french oak barriques 8 months in settling in tank.