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TN: 2002 Villa Maria Two Vineyards Merlot, Hawke's Bay
Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 3:24 pm
by Geoffrey
2002 Villa Maria Cellar Selection Two Vineyards Merlot. Fruit in this wine is 100% Merlot and comes from 2 different vineyards in the Hawk's Bay. Black/red in the glass, smoke, spice and dark fruit aromas. Spicy oak, berry fruits and chocolate on the palate. Smooth tannins excellent length,sweet ripe fruit that is slightly edged out by the french oak at present but with time will even out. Wonderful drinking at present, 3-5 years will turn it into an even better wine. Great value at NZ$26. s/c.
Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 5:32 pm
by Craig(NZ)
Agree with your notes. Its a very good wine, especially at the price!!
Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2005 9:23 pm
by Maximus
Guys,
Do you have any impressions or notes to speak of on the top tier Villa Maria Reserve Merlot from the same year? I had their 2002 Omahu Vineyard Malbec a month ago (similar looking bottles) and while it was a good wine with everything where it should be, certainly not worth the $60rrp asking price IMO.
Geoff, do you have a wine posse here in Christchurch?
Posted: Mon Sep 26, 2005 11:44 am
by Craig(NZ)
Max
I have tried the 02 villa reserve merlot several times and it is a pretty impressive wine within the context of its style.
It is very fragrant, soft, packed with black fruits and gentle soft tannin structure. Very enjoyable, silky and sexy. I also think it would impress a wide range of wine drinkers which is a bonus - a good wine to entertain others with - no need to be interlectual
As with most villa wines I think the attraction is in drink soon - mid term. I certainly wouldnt turn my nose up at it, far from it, though when buying merlot blends I guess I lean towards a Unison Selection at the same price which probably offers a bit more complexity and precision.
C
Posted: Tue Sep 27, 2005 3:49 pm
by Geoffrey
Max
Use to have a large wine posse in Christchurch but alas it has disintegrated. Remained strong for about ten years, use to have monthly wine tastings, dinners, entered lots of wine options both here in Christchurch and around the country. It was was good fun but over time people moved out of town, people had babies etc etc.
I use to attend lots of commercial wine tastings but these days are pretty slack and hardly go to any. My wine tastings now tends to be taking a bottle round to a friends place who is also keen on the vino or identifying a wine i want to taste and bringing it home and of course reading wine internet sites.
Early next month an Auckland wine retailer is putting on a tasting of 70 New Zealand Pinot's here in Christchurch. If interested and i can forward the details on to you and cruise along my self and say hello.
Geoffrey