SOUTHERN / AMERICAN / PACIFIC WINE & SPIRITS® Villa Maria Estate Taylors Pass Pinot Noir 2013 (Awatere Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand) – [WA 91] – 6043261534367

About this Wine:
This Pinot Noir is a single vineyard expression of the Taylors Pass site, on the northern bank of the Awatere River. The fruit for this wine originates from stony silty loam soil which contributes the intense perfumed aromatics and complex textures in this wine.

About the Vintage:
The 2013 vintage was warm and dry, although quite mild temperatures throughout the summer months resulting in pronounced ripe black cherry fruit flavours and perfectly ripe tannins. The wine is made with true respect for the fruit, which is hand harvested, chilled overnight and processed gently through the winery, with maturation in French oak barriques resulting in a silky refined and layered Marlborough Pinot Noir.

VINEYARD: Taylors Pass, Awatere Valley, Marlborough
VARIETIES: 100% Pinot Noir , various clones
pH: 3.65
TOTAL ACIDITY: 5.7g/L
RESIDUAL SUGAR: Nil
ALCOHOL: 14.0%

Tasting Notes

This 2013 Taylors Pass Pinot Noir shows an intense bouquet of dried herbs, florals and dark ripe cherries. The palate displays layers of dark berry fruits, forest floor brambles and dried herbs such as rosemary and thyme. This elegant, yet powerful wine is balanced with subtle acidity and sleek textured tannins.

Food Pairing:
Perfect paired with meats such as turkey, lamb or duck, or match with salad course of beetroot, fennel and feta.

91 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate:
“Medium ruby-purple in color, the 2013 Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Pinot Noir has an expressive nose of red currants, cranberries and mulberries with touches of dried herbs, menthol, earth and underbrush. The medium-bodied palate offers a good backbone of grainy tannins and refreshing acid, supporting the intense red berry flavors, finishing long and earthy.” – Lisa Perrotti-Brown (30th Dec 2016)

Wine Spectator Magazine:
“Wild raspberry flavors have pretty earth and herb accents, with a framework of supple tannins and accents of smoky tea, cedar, dried lavender and plum preserves. Elegant but still powerful. Drink now through 2030. 200 cases imported.” – MW (2015)