Villa Maria Single Vineyard Seddon Marlborough Pinot Noir 2018

Villa Maria Single Vineyard Seddon Marlborough Pinot Noir 2018French oak Raspberry Bay leaf Soft tannins "Medium bodied pinot noir, with typical Marlborough red fruit flavours plus a floral, violet and spicy oak character. A smooth textured wine in an approachable style but with the potential to develop well in bottle" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Jan 2020 "Despite the herbal overtones and leafy elements that are classically found among the red fruit flavors in Marlborough's cooler subregion, the

• French oak
• Raspberry
• Bay leaf
• Soft tannins

"Medium-bodied pinot noir, with typical Marlborough red fruit flavours plus a floral, violet and spicy oak character. A smooth-textured wine in an approachable style but with the potential to develop well in bottle" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review, Jan 2020

"Despite the herbal overtones and leafy elements that are classically found among the red fruit flavors in Marlborough's cooler subregion, the Awatere Valley, there's plenty of richness on the midpalate and the tannins are fully ripe, offering a fine-grained texture. The acidity is vibrant, providing freshness and a sense of being tightly drawn on the medium-length finish, which is scented with red fruits, herbs and the cedar notes of oak barrels (14 months, 32% new). This is a distinctive wine that speaks of both its place and the vintage but could prove to be the equivalent of Marmite for some drinkers" Rebecca Gibb, Master of Wine, Mar 2021

This expression of Pinot Noir is grown on the southern side of the Awatere River in the Seddon Vineyard. It is recognised for producing distinctive red cherry and raspberry flavours with savoury notes of bay leaf. The palate has soft tannins, a juicy acidity and culinary herb notes with hints of chocolate from the subtle use of French oak.

The fruit for this single vineyard wine comes from the 98 Terrace subsection within the Seddon Vineyard. This low lying river terrace sitting on the southern bank of the Awatere River was planted in 1998. Whilst in a cool climate, this vineyard is protected from the cooler southern breezes resulting in a warm microclimate.

The growing season started with an excellent spring and a strong flowering period, followed by hot weather with regular rainfall events. With warm temperatures and ample soil moisture, our harvest started earlier than usual, however cooler autumn weather helped retain natural acidities as the season progressed.

Hand harvested, 15% whole clusters 85% destemmed. Indigenous fermentation. Open top stainless steel, hand plunged. 14 months in oak then 4 months in stainless steel. Minimal lenticular filtration.