The fruit for this wine was grown entirely on the gravelly soils of the Gimblett Gravels growing region in Hawkes Bay where the vineyards of Villa Maria have produced consistently high quality fruit for this Reserve blend for well over a decade . Our different vineyards contribute small parcels of exceptional fruit, each with their own unique characteristics. 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 cropped low allowing vines to produce fruit that is richly concentrated in colour, flavour and structure.

The Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot has a dark purple hue. The nose shows lovely aromatic purity with tight-knit layers of red plum and cassis, mingling with roasted coffee bean, dried thyme and complex cedary spice nuances. The palate is soft yet concentrated, beautifully focused with fine-grained tannins and integrated oak. While approachable in its youth, this wine has an understated finesse and beauty that will benefit from careful cellaring.