2019 Villa Maria Reserve Gimblett Gravels Merlot Magnum

Brand	Villa Maria Estate
Region	Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay
Varietal	Merlot
Size	1500ml
Alcohol %	14.0%
Vintage	2019
Country	New Zealand

The fruit for this wine is from 100% Gimblett Gravels vineyards famous for their gravel soils. The free draining soils of these sites help ensure balanced fruit and canopy growth which is essential for ripe flavours and tannin development. Yields are low allowing vines to produce fruit that is richly concentrated in colour, flavour, and structure. Combine that with the 2019 season which will be recorded as one of Hawkes Bay's greatest vintages, featuring one of the warmest growing seasons. Early season rainfall enabled healthy vines to ripen fruit into what would be a long and exceptionally dry finish, allowing the fruit to be harvested at optimum ripeness and condition.

deep, dark berry aromas fill the room, black forest gateau, blackcurrant left, cedar, tobacco leaves and baking spice.

plush fruit forms the central core, with cassis, blackberry, dark chocolate, mocha, coffee, and toasty oak flavours, all within a framework of fine-grain tannins, giving harmony and balance. The density of fruit, vibrancy, and long finish, make a superb Merlot dominant wine that will easily cellar 5-8years+. If you cannot resist, decant one hour before serving. Prepare your favourite roast and open the bottle.