Villa Maria Estate Cellar Selection Syrah 2014

Sylvain Segard rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

This New Zealand Syrah is fashioned in the Rhone style, not the bold Australian Shiraz.

It has a a deep robe of brilliant ruby with a violet rim. The medium intensity aroma is dominated by dark fruits with hint of white pepper in the nose. The flavours are classic cassis, blackberry, plums, black pepper, and smoke. This wine is extra-dry, balanced, and has medium soft tannins and a long mineral finish. Score 92. (Reviewed Nov. 2016)

Lynn van der Linde rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

The grapes of this beautiful Syrah were grown on the estate soils of Gimblett Gravels, known for the gravelly soils laid down by the old Ngaruroro River, which had been exposed after a huge flood in the 1860’s. The grapes are encouraged to struggle for water and warmth throughout the growing cycle, thereby imparting complex characteristics. This differs from the very fruit forward Shiraz/Syrah grown in warmer climates, like California.

Heady aromas of cassis, dried berries, and crushed black pepper carry through to a spicy, velvety finish. Wonderful compliment to big and bold lamb dishes or rich and creamy pasta.
Tasted Nov 2016.

Matt Steeves rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Deep rich ruby red colour, this gem shows spicy dark fruit, mocha, roasted beets, and cassis on the nose and palate. Full bodied and beautifully balanced, this Hawkes Bay Syrah is a must try with braised dishes. Enjoy 2016 - 2022. Tasted November 2016. 91 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Lori Kilmartin WSET3 rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

2014 was possibly one of the best seasons for Hawkes Bay. This Syrah comes predominantly from Gimblett Gravels which is a growing area of deep gravel beds layered with silt and loamy sand. The 2014 crop was picked around the 20th of April at 23.5 Brix and is typical of the Northern Rhone style Syrahs. A deep brooding opaque red - almost purple in colour. Dark berry aromas of black plums, blueberry and cassis and some layers of vanilla and smoke. Fine grained tannins with a smooth mouthfeel. Medium-full bodied with fresh acidity and a peppery note in the aftertaste. I like my grilled steak with Montreal Steak spice and this would be a great pairing with the complimenting spicy notes. Tasted November 15, 2016.

Jane Staples rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

Cellar Selection Syrah 2014 won gold at the New Zealand Wine Awards in 2014. It was made from grapes grown in the stoniest section of Gimlett Gravels in Hawkes Bay, the best place to grow Syrah. Presents as an opaque purple/red with a very aromatic nose and palate offering blueberry, red plum, pepper and violet. Medium to full-bodied, silky smooth with well-integrated tannins and a long finish with pure fruit flavours. It was aged 17 mos in French oak barriques. It matches well with duck, venison or steak.
Tasted Nov. 2016

Pamela Chiles rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

The grapes for this Syrah are sourced from the Gimblett Gravels, well known for producing first-rate juice. Deep purple-red in the glass, rich and lush blackberry-black currant, chocolate, soft peppery spice; velvety tannins, full-bodied, with a long, berry finish. Fabulous! Clearly best with a top-notch steak or venison loin roast.

Rachelle O'Connor rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

Dark purple in color, the nose is abundantly showing herb, dark fruit, violet and spice. The palate is medium to full bodied...the tannins are well integrated with hints of mature oak. The fruit is perfectly nurtured and pure, thus the elegant, silky finish. To quote Ollie Powrie, the Viticulturist from Villa Maria Estate, "it feels like the vintage of a lifetime". Wonderfully paired with herb crusted duck and braised endive.