Villa Maria ‘Earth Garden’ Merlot Cabernet, Marlborough 2020

Organically farmed Merlot 55% and Cabernet Sauvignon 45%

Organically grown with wildflower gardens between the vineyard rows and regenerative viticulture to keep New Zealand’s soils healthy and ecosystems thriving. EarthGarden Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon is bursting with flavour as nature intended.

The high temperatures and settled weather of Hawkes Bay lets our organic vineyards thrive. This is a wine rich in colour and flavour with the depth of character that organic viticulture brings.

The Hawkes Bay 2020 vintage followed an incredible summer, reds in particular enjoyed superb conditions for ripening. Upon crushing the grapes were inoculated with Bio-grow approved yeast. Post fermentation the wine was pressed to oak barriques, 20% new, for 18 months maturation.

Deep purple coloured hues lead to a perfumed nose of dark fruits, cocoa, sweet vanilla and clove spices. The full bodied palate is soft and generous with ripe fruit, silky tannins and a smooth finish.

Wine Enthusiast 86