About the Wine

“Winemaking is an art, not a numbers game and our winemakers and viticulturists understand this. For us it's simple: our wine is far more important than how many zeros are on our balance sheet.” ~Villa Maria 

With more than 60 years of producing wine in New Zealand, Villa María has become a benchmark for premium viticulture in this country, and around the world. Sir George Fistonich began his wine dream in 1960, with just one acre of vineyard. Little did he know that this dream would soon become an internationally award-winning, highly recognized winery.

Villa Maria’s accolades are countless: In 2020, it was named (for the 6^th consecutive year) as the “Most Admired Brand from New Zealand” by the renowned Drinks International Magazine. That same year, it was selected (for the 3^rd time) as the “Must Trusted Wine Brand” by Reader’s Digest. It’s been rewarded “New Zealand Wine Producer of the Year” by the International Wine & Spirit Competition more than 4 times. Named as “One of the World’s 50 Great Wine Producers” by Wine Spectator, among other recognitions.

This winery is completely committed to the environment by implementing sustainable practices in the vineyard and in the cellar. They're organically certified by the “New Zealand Sustainable Winegrowing” company, the “BioGro” and the “Toitu” organization. Their mantra explains it very simply: “We believe in living life to the fullest while making sure we are protecting the earth for future generations.”

Part of the Pinot Noir used to produce this Reserve Pinot Noir comes from the Wairau Valley. A region with deep clay-based soils. And the other part comes from the cooler climate in Awatere Valley. The perfect combination of these Pinots results in a fresh, youthful, and exciting Pinot Noir.

Aging: 35% new French barriques and 65% seasoned barriques

Tasting Notes: 100% Pinot Noir. Showcases bright floral aromas as well as fresh cherries. On the palate is an inviting mixture of dark chocolate and juicy summer berries with hints of fresh portabello mushrooms. This complex wine shows both purity and richness with soft velvety tannins and toasty oak influence which completes the wine.

Reviews

Subtle nose of red cherry and cranberry aromas with floral and mineral scents. Youthful on the palate, ripe, well-defined tannins. ~93 Points, Decanter.

A fine effort, the 2019 Reserve Pinot Noir combines mixed black and red cherries with subtle cedar, vanilla, and spice shadings. It's medium-bodied, supple and smooth in texture, with a mouthwatering finish. It's not a big, burly offering, as this wine was sometimes in the past, but a pleasantly elegant bottling to drink over the next 5-8 years. ~92 Points, Wine Advocate.

A fragrant nose of wild strawberries, sour cherries, fresh herbs, forest floor and spice box. It’s medium-bodied with fresh acidity. Round and creamy with plenty of fruit and a succulent finish. ~92 Points James Suckling.

This is a polished, appealing Pinot that opens with lifted aromas of licorice, savory herbs, and violets amidst plump plum and berry fruit. The medium-bodied palate is threaded gently with savory tannins. This should gain complexity with a few more years in the bottle. Drink through 2029. ~90 Points, Wine Enthusiast.

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