2013 NGAKIRIKIRI, Villa Maria. Gimblett Gravels, New Zealand

Quoting from Villa Maria themselves. They make some big claims, but it’s hard to argue with any of it:
“Our icon wine Ngakirikiri is a presentation of the very best of Villa Maria’s holdings in the Gimblett Gravels appellation. Produced in only the most exceptional vintages with painstaking attention to detail, it is a highly aspirational project and arguably the most comprehensive and focused wine Villa Maria has ever produced.
‘Ngakirikiri’ in Māori, refers to the unique gravel soils that define the Hawkes Bay, Gimblett Gravels growing appellation, a befitting name for this stony Hawkes Bay vineyard sited on what was an ancient riverbed. The Gimblett Gravels sub-region is a majestic site with a reputation for beautiful and thought-provoking wines.”

97% Cabernet Sauvignon, 3% Merlot, matured in French oak (half new wood) for 18 months.

Dense and serious. This will be at its best from 2025, but is already impressive.

“The 2013 Ngakirikiri Cabernet Sauvignon (the first release of this new label) has a deep garnet-purple color, with intense cassis, blueberry and blackberry aromas over notes of pencil shavings, cloves, lavender and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, the taut, elegant palate has good ripe tannins and plenty of freshness, finishing with lovely poise.” 92/100 Lisa Perotti-Brown, The Wine Advocate
“This is a new flagship label that in my view justifies its exalted price tag. It’s quite an extraordinary wine with dense berry, savoury/earth and spicy oak flavours. Long and linear it has power and structure but the tannins are surprisingly soft and pliable. The wine really opened up as it sat in the glass revealing interesting coffee, malt/peat and toasty characters together with a suggestion of violet. Definitely worth decanting. Collectible and age worthy red.”
Bob Campbell MW. Score: 98/100