Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Villa Maria Cellar Selection Hawkes Bay Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2021Oak spice Dark berries Sweet fruit Supple tannins "Fermented in oak barriques, 15% new. An extraordinary value red, thanks in part to a top vintage with moderate yields and above average temperatures. Inky red with cassis, blackberry with cocoa powder flavours and Christmas cake intensity. A youthful wine thats firmly structured with ripe tannins. A serious red at a bargain price" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Mar 2023 "This deeply

• Oak spice
• Dark berries
• Sweet fruit
• Supple tannins

"Fermented in oak barriques, 15% new. An extraordinary value red, thanks in part to a top vintage with moderate yields and above-average temperatures. Inky red with cassis, blackberry with cocoa powder flavours and Christmas cake intensity. A youthful wine that’s firmly structured with ripe tannins. A serious red at a bargain price" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Mar 2023

"This deeply coloured wine displays perfumed aromas of dark berry fruits, violets and dried herbs with complexing oak spice characters. A smooth and approachable palate follows with sweet fruit, supple tannins and moreish acidity" Winemaker

Once crushed to open-top fermenters the grapes were inoculated with several strains of yeast and fermented at 28-30 degrees C. Post fermentation the parcels were pressed to oak barriques, 15% new, for 12 months maturation.

Food Pairing: Merlot-Cabernet blends are particularly good when paired with robust, fullflavoured dishes, red meat and cheeses. Drink now or hold for up to 5-8 years when the wine will develop further complexity.