Villa Maria Cellar Selection Pinot Noir 2014

Sylvain Segard rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Well extracted deep ruby colour. Aromas of ripe bing cherries, notes of hard wood smoke, vanilla, and balsamic. Elegant tannins, silky mouthfeel, with a long gentle acidity showing off the layered red fruit flavours. This Pinot Noir is pleasure to drink on its own, but you may want to pair it with prosciutto amuse-bouches, an herb-rubbed roasted turkey, or a funghi-stuffed pork roulade. Score 91. (reviewed Nov. 2016)

Lynn van der Linde rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

Marlborough is historically known for growing cherries, which don't require a long ripening time however benefit from pruning to keep only the best of the best fruit to yield the most flavourful harvest. Similarly, viticulturists like Ollie Powry at Villa Maria implement a green harvest pruning just when the grapes start to turn colour, thereby keeping only the best grapes to produce a concentrated end flavour.

Festive and brilliant red in the glass, this PInot Noir imparts notes of cherries, vanilla, dried herbs and hints of fig. The grapes are crushed and cold soaked for five days to bring forward the fruitiness of the wine, making it very approachable and versatile - perfect for a variety of appetizers and holiday fare.
Tasted Nov 2016.

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

Villa Maria's premium Cellar Selection Pinot Noir shows smoky cherry, field berries, plum, baking spices, and dried herbs on the nose and palate. Smooth, elegant, and very expressive, the winemaker's use of new and seasoned French oak preserves the complex fruit characteristics whilst adding a touch of body and texture making this wine terrific with roasted lamb dishes or with a roasted beet and feta salad. 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:

At one time Marlborough used to be a cherry growing region so it's fitting that this luscious Pinot, pale cherry in colour yet exhibiting dark cherry aromas is now grown there. This is a very aromatic wine that went through 5 days of cold soak to help bring out the primary fruit aromas and flavours. 10 months in new and seasoned french oak adds some smoke and vanilla as well. Fine grained tannins and a long fruit finish. This would be a beautiful wine to serve with your Christmas turkey, or a rosemary crusted pork roast. Tasted November 15, 2016.

Jane Staples rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

This ruby-coloured Pinot Noir hails from the Wairau and Awatere valleys of the Marlborough region. It matured 10 mos. in both new and seasoned French oak barriques. Fragrant aromas of red cherries, dried herbs, mocha and slight smoke lead into a palate that displays bright cherry, mocha, cola, vanilla and cloves. Silky and elegant, with balanced acidity and chocolate on the finish. This Pinot Noir excels with food and pairs well with a wide variety of dishes, from salmon, duck, game, turkey or alternately, salumni and savoury tapas.
Tasted Nov. 2016

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

The deep red colour looks promising, and sure enough, this Pinot delivers. Lifted aromas of ripe red cherry, cranberry, roasted beetroot and a whiff of earthy herbs. More juicy cherry on the palate, well-framed by succulent acidity and velvety tannins. Very elegant. Pairs well with an evening with friends.

Rachelle O'Connor rated this wine as 92/100 with the following review:

The grapes for this wine come from the various vineyards in the Awatere and Wairau Valleys in Marlborough. The Maritime climate here is an advantage for producing quality Pinot Noir - and although Pinot Noir is more expensive to produce there is still a keen attention to detail for the harvest and production. The cool climate ground conditions from the clay soil helps to produce some high quality fruit. This Pinot has notes of cherry, smoke and herbs with flavors of juicy cherries, well integrated acidity and supple tannins. Perfect match to wild mushroom and walnut balls.