Kimbao Merlot Gran Reserva 2021 vs Villa Maria Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Villa Maria Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot

Villa Maria's Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot is one of New Zealand's most celebrated red blends, sourced entirely from the Gimblett Gravels growing region in Hawkes Bay . Grown on free-draining gravelly soils with low yields and a long, warm growing season, this is a wine of real concentration, structure and age-worthiness. Why You'll Love It This is Hawkes Bay red winemaking at its most serious and rewarding. The Gimblett Gravels is one of the world's great sites for Bordeaux varieties, and Villa Maria's Reserve tier showcases exactly why. Densely coloured, richly aromatic and beautifully structured, this wine is approachable in its youth but built to reward patience in the cellar. Whether you open it now with a decant or lay it down for a few years, it delivers at every stage. Vineyard and Production Fruit is sourced from multiple parcels across the Gimblett Gravels, each contributing its own character to the final blend. The free-draining gravelly soils encourage deep root systems and naturally low yields, producing fruit that is richly concentrated in colour, flavour and structure. After destemming and crushing, the grapes undergo extended skin contact before fermentation in stainless steel. The wine is then transferred to new French oak barrels for 16 months of ageing, integrating tannins and building complexity. Tasting Notes Densely coloured with lovely aromatics on the nose, layers of red and black plum mingling with cassis, smoky roast coffee bean, dried thyme and complex cedary spice. The palate is soft yet concentrated, with wonderfully fine-grained tannins and beautifully integrated oak. Long, structured and age-worthy, with a finish that lingers with real elegance and depth. Perfect Pairings A natural partner for the dinner table. Excellent with roast lamb, beef Wellington, venison or slow-braised short rib. Also outstanding alongside aged hard cheeses or a classic charcuterie board. Decant before serving. Grape Varieties Cabernet Sauvignon , Merlot