The Villa Maria Ngakirikiri is a Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot red wine blend and is the culmination of over 50 years of passion. Part of the Villa Maria ‘Icon’ range Ngakirikiri showcases the very best of the Gimblett Gravels wine region and represent the pinnacle of Villa Maria’s vineyard management and winemaking achievements. Ngakirikiri in Mori refers to the unique soils that define the Gimblett Gravels growing appellation, uniquely situated on the former Ngaruroro riverbed. The first vines were planted in these arid soils in the 1980s and this small area of 800Ha has since become New Zealands epicentre for premium full-bodied red wine production with a reputation for beautifully balanced, thought-provoking wines. Ngakirikiri is predominantly Cabernet Sauvignon (95%) from mature, low-yielding vines left thriving in this unique Gimblett gravels terroir, and is only bottled when vintages produce truly exceptional wine for consideration. Upon pouring, the deep-ruby hued wine gradually unfolds fragrant aromatics of cassis, violets and complex wood spices, with graphite, thyme and clove also emerging from the glass.Layers of concentrated flavours are revealed across a medium to full bodied frame, with ripe fruit and hints of black olive and cigar, all wrapped by fine-grained tannins and supportive oak, enhancing texture and richness from start to finish. [#intro]The culmination of over 50 years of passion, awine with poise, presence & deep geological history…[/intro]