Villa Maria Seddon Single Vineyard Pinot Noir

A Pinot Noir from the Marlborough sub-district of Seddon — more concentrated and structured than most wines from this region, because the Awatere Valley is cooler and windier than the Wairau Valley.

Villa Maria was founded in Auckland in 1961 by George Fistonich and is now one of New Zealand's most renowned wineries. The Seddon vineyard lies on the south bank of the Awatere River on poor, gravelly clay soil—conditions that favor low yields and concentrated fruit. For the single-vineyard range, the grapes are vinified separately and aged in French oak barrels.

In the glass, the wine displays aromas of cherry, raspberry, and a hint of pomegranate, underpinned by a subtle spiciness from the oak aging—discreet notes of cedar and dark chocolate. The texture is silky, the acidity lively without harshness, and the tannins fine-grained. Medium-long, slightly spicy finish.

• Dishes: Lamb loin with herb crust, mushroom risotto, mature Pinot Noir-style cheese such as Époisses or Camembert
• Temperature: 16–17 °C
• Drinking window: now until 2028