VILLA MARIA RESERVE PINOT GRIS 2021

Double Gold Medal – New Zealand International Wine Show 2023
Gold Medal – New Zealand International Wine Show 2022

From two Awatere Valley vineyards, Villa Maria Reserve Pinot Gris is an off-dry, 'Alsatian' style with a plush opulence on the flavour-filled palate. Excellent stuff! 

Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"Only Villa Maria wines of exceptional quality are awarded the designation 'Reserve'. Our philosophy and commitment to sustainability and quality is exemplified by the awards and accolades these wines achieve in wine judging around the world.

Predominantly sourced from our iconic Taylors Pass and Seddon Vineyards, this Pinot Gris is a rich, textural, opulent wine with a creamy palate from spending extended time ageing on yeast lees. The exotic tropical fruit flavours are framed by a soft, yet balanced acidity and unctuous texture."

5 Stars Michael Cooper, April 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"Highly fragrant, the 2021 vintage was estate-grown in the Awatere Valley, and fermented in a mix of stainless steel tanks (80 per cent) and seasoned oak barriques (20 per cent). Full-bodied, it is rich and rounded, with concentrated, ripe peach and pear flavours, gentle acidity and an off-dry (9.8 grams/litre of residual sugar), very harmonious finish. Fine value."

5 Stars & 94/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, July 2022 (2021 Vintage)
"Elegantly complex and inviting, the bouquet shows apricot, poached pear, lemon zest and subtle oatmeal characters. The palate displays excellent weight and plump mouthfeel, well supported by silky texture and juicy acidity. At its best: now to 2026."

Rated Excellent & 93/100 Cameron Douglas MS, July 2022 (2021 Vintage)
"A really lovely bouquet of fresh white fleshed tree and stone fruits, a fine lees quality with a touch of brioche and white baking spices followed by a mineral scent of cold river stone. Plush satin cream textures with a fine acid line then fruit flavours of white nectarine, pear and apple. A light white flower note precedes some white spice and mineral qualities. Balanced and well made in a ready to drink expression from 2022 through 2025."

93/100 David Walker Bell, winefolio.co.nz, November 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"From the iconic Seddon and Taylors Pass vineyards – in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley, this was a Gold Medal winner at NZIWS this year. A mix of opulence and zestiness on the nose with pear, lychee, roasted apple and lemon curd, but also nettle, basil and lime peel. Firmly concentrated with a buoyant acidity that highlights the tropical fruit notes and then a svelte textural quality that adds spiciness and minerality. The finish is polished and well-weighted, with bags of personality – which this varietal requires, to avoid being boring."

4 Stars Cuisine Pinot Gris Tasting 2023 (2021 Vintage)
"An elegant style with just enough going on. Stone fruit and lemon citrus on the nose are also present on the palate matched with green pear and peaches. Some sweetness, but works well within the excellent structure of the wine and is matched by refreshing acidity."