Villa Maria NGAKIRIKRI Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 - Gimblet Gravels, New Zealand

The 2020 Ngakirikiri is deeply coloured with inky purple hues. The nose gradually unfolds to reveal brooding dark fruits, cassis, and delicate floral notes. The pure fruit notes are complemented by savoury elements of cedar, black olive and pencil shavings also emerging from the glass. A supple yet concentrated palate gives a generous mouthfeel, with fine chalky tannins and fresh acidity providing tension to the finish. 2020 produced a fine elegant wine likely to evolve and soften with age, and hence will benefit from patient cellaring over the next 10-15+ years.

Hawkes Bay with its 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. 2020 was a memorable vintage for many reasons in Hawkes Bay and the outstanding weather conditions in March provided the catalyst to harvest Cabernet grapes in perfect condition. The Growing Degree Days (GDD’s) for the season were slightly above the districts long term average and the rainfall was slightly below which resulted in a superb growing season. With the key harvest period through to the end of March experiencing such ideal climatic conditions, fruit was harvested at optimum ripeness and in beautiful condition.

Ngakirikiri’ in Māori 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 course of the river in 1867. The first vines were planted in these arid soils in the 1980’s and this small area of 800Ha 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 predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon from mature, low-yielding vines left thriving in this unique Gimblett gravels terroir, and is only bottled when vintages produce truly exceptional wine for consideration. This flagship wine represents the pinnacle of our winemaking achievements and a milestone in Villa Maria’s history.