Villa Maria, Ngakirikiri, 6x75cl

🍷 Villa Maria – ‘Ngakirikiri’
Country: New Zealand | Region: Hawke’s Bay
Appellation: Gimblett Gravels | Grape Variety: Predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon with Merlot and Malbec
Style: Red Wine | Winemaking: Aged in French oak barriques; flagship Bordeaux-style blend
Farming: Sustainable viticulture

🌟 Ngakirikiri means "the gravels"—a reference to the ancient riverbed soils of Gimblett Gravels and a symbol of this wine’s power and poise.

👁 In the Glass:
Deep, inky purple with a dark core and vibrant ruby rim—pure visual intensity.

👃 On the Nose:
Majestic aromas of blackcurrant, dark plum, and cassis meet lifted notes of graphite, tobacco leaf, violet, and finely toasted cedar.

👅 On the Palate:
Full-bodied and commanding. Concentrated black fruit is wrapped in layers of fine-grained tannins and savoury complexity—black olive, mocha, and baking spice. The structure is bold yet harmonious, with fresh acidity carrying the wine to a long, resonant finish.

🍽 Food Pairing:
A wine made for grand occasions—pair with dry-aged ribeye, slow-cooked short ribs, venison with dark berry jus, or a classic Wellington.

⏳ Enjoyment Window:
Approachable now with a decant, but built for longevity—cellar comfortably for 15–20+ years.

✨ Why You’ll Love It:
Ngakirikiri is Villa Maria’s crown jewel—an icon wine from one of New Zealand’s most revered terroirs. It delivers Bordeaux-like structure with unmistakable Kiwi vibrancy. Deep, dignified, and utterly age-worthy, it’s a bottle for the cellar and for life’s biggest celebrations.