2020 Villa Maria Single Vineyard Taylors Pass Pinot Noir

Brand	Villa Maria Estate
Region	Marlborough
Varietal	Pinot Noir
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	13.5%
Vintage	2020
Country	New Zealand

From the generational quality 2020 vintage. 95-96/100 + Double Gold Medal at the Global Fine Wine Challenge, pitted against the Crème de la Crème of Pinot Noir from Australia, NZ, South Africa, Canada, USA. Held in Sydney, it’s invitation only and restricted to the Top 120 wineries from each country. Taylor’s Pass 2020 Pinot Noir was a fraction away from taking the Global Fine Wine Challenge Pinot Trophy! Hand Harvested from Burgundy Clone 5 + 667 vines - Taylors Pass Vineyard sits on the northern bank of the Awatere River, running east to west through the Awatere Valley and out to the Clifford Bay in the Pacific Ocean. The vineyard is warm and sheltered from the cool southerly breezes that flow down through the valley from the mountains. A judicious 18% whole bunch fruit is co-fermented, the entire ferment activated by native vineyard yeasts. Macerated on skins for 21-25 days with gentle daily hand plunging. 14-months in French Oak Barriques (30% NEW) with a further 9-months settling in tank. The full suite of elite level Pinot Noir winegrowing & winemaking! 5-years old it’s developing nicely, but still with 2-3 years of aging upside ahead. Alternatively... it’s nicely rounded and silky now!

Enticing aromas of spring flowers in concert with plum, cherry, with herb & spice savoury notes.

Luscious parade of dark cherry & plum fruit with an elegance and fine focus throughout. Superb weight of ripe fruit with silky tannin & texture, fine acidity and rich oak, all in harmony. 5 years on from vintage it’s delicious… however don’t rush as it will develop further and peak around 2028.