Villa Maria Estate Syrah 2011

Sylvain Segard rated this wine as 94/100 with the following review:

This vintage was bottled in a special edition mold to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Villa Maria winery.

This single vineyard Syrah selection, on Gimblett Gravels in Hawkes, has a deep, slightly chalky, ruby colour. The bouquet is floral and displays aromas of fresh black currant, blackberries, liquorice, and some wood smoke and white pepper. The layers of juicy dark fruit are also present in the gentle and rich mouthfeel, which is followed by a rush of dry silky tannins, watery acidity, and a soft peppery finish. Score 94. (reviewed Nov. 2016)

Matt Steeves rated this wine as 94/100 with the following review:

Villa Maria's commemorative 50th anniversary Syrah, from the prized Gimblett Gravels wine district, shows the tremendous potential that wines from this area can achieve, thanks to some of the finest terroir on the planet. Incredibly bold, concentrated, and elegant, the nose shows spicy dark fruit, plum, spice, pepper, roasted beet roots, and wood smoke. Layered and delicious, with plum, stewed fruit, and spicy dark fruit on the long and textured finish. An exceptional wine that is certain to impress! Tasted November 2016. 94 points. Matt Steeves - www.quercusvino.ca

Pamela Chiles rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

This is a powerhouse Syrah - able to compete with the "big boys" of the clan. Big, rich, lush and plush, there is a lot of presence in the glass. Ripe blackberry/black currant, soft leathery-spicy oaky aromas just leap out; more of that lot on the palate mingled with a little peppery spice and anise; velvety and inky and dense, it invites more sipping and savouring. Plenty of structure for aging - if you can get your hands on a bottle.

Jane Staples rated this wine as 93/100 with the following review:

This luxurious Syrah was made from grapes grown in Gimlett Gravels, Hawkes Bay. It was produced to commemorate Villa Maria's 50th anniversary. The owner worked with local glassmakers to produce a lighter bottle, because Villa Maria places a priority on sustainability and strives to optimize quality, even if that means smaller production.
This opaque ruby-garnet Syrah invites the nose with aromas of blueberries, dark fruit, spice and oak, followed by a palate giving dark fruit, understated licorice, pepper, graphite and oak. It is satiny smooth and balanced with an elegant finish. It could cellar up to 10-15 years. It paired beautifully with steak, as it would with game or duck. A wine to savour on a winter night and a wonderful gift for a Syrah lover.
Tasted Nov. 2016