Wines Unspecified Villa Maria - Ngakirikiri - 2013

Villa Maria’s Cuvée Ngakirikiri 2013 is a red wine from Hawke’s Bay, one of New Zealand’s most renowned wine regions for quality reds. Although precise details about the exact blend of this cuvée are not given, Hawke’s Bay is particularly celebrated for its Bordeaux-style wines, often involving Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Malbec. Released as one of Villa Maria’s flagship bottlings, Ngakirikiri is known for its depth and concentration, characteristics commonly drawn from carefully selected parcels and meticulous winemaking. The 2013 vintage was exceptional in Hawke's Bay, with a combination of warm days and cool nights resulting in ripe tannins and balanced acidity, conducive to extended ageing and complex expression.

Hawke’s Bay itself, situated on the eastern coast of New Zealand’s North Island, boasts a maritime climate which is warmer and drier than many other parts of the country. The region's gravelly soils, particularly those of the famed Gimblett Gravels sub-area, lend themselves well to structured, full-bodied reds with both power and finesse. With a viticultural history stretching back to the 1850s, Hawke’s Bay has established itself as a premier source of serious red wines, with dedicated producers like Villa Maria at the forefront of this reputation.

Ngakirikiri, with its likely robust structure and generous fruit, will pair beautifully with dishes such as slow-cooked lamb shoulder with rosemary, rare prime rib, or venison in a red wine sauce. For a local touch, consider New Zealand lamb rack seasoned with native herbs. If you prefer vegetarian pairings, a dish based on roast aubergine, lentils and earthy mushrooms will complement the wine’s depth.

To best appreciate this wine, decant for at least an hour prior to serving to allow the complex aromas to unfold. Serve at 16-18°C, and savour its evolution in the glass. Now, with a decade of maturity, it should display beautifully integrated tannins and layers of flavour, representing the best of New Zealand red winemaking.