Villa Maria The Attorney Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019

Villa Maria The Attorney Marlborough Pinot Noir 2019French oak Black cherry & plum Floral & violet Bold tannins "Vibrant and slightly edgy Pinot Noir with dark cherry, plum, savoury, spice and a suggestion of floral and violet character. An elegant, supple and obviously youthful wine with high energy and obvious cellaring potential, although a little closed at this early stage" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review "I tried this wine over 3 days. I needed to discover how it would develop. Turns out

• French oak
• Black cherry & plum
• Floral & violet
• Bold tannins

"Vibrant and slightly edgy Pinot Noir with dark cherry, plum, savoury, spice and a suggestion of floral and violet character. An elegant, supple and obviously youthful wine with high-energy and obvious cellaring potential, although a little closed at this early stage" Bob Campbell, Master of Wine, Real Review

"I tried this wine over 3 days. I needed to discover how it would develop. Turns out this was a good idea. The bouquet showcases power and concentration without losing the important attribute of pinosity - meaning There is a subtle, complex and even pretty side to this wine revealed after about 2 hrs in glass. Aromas and flavours of dark red currant and black cherry then a layer of dark roses and plums. The barrel spices and light, almost sweet oak scents layer in complexity as well as power. A layer of dry spice and dry stone mineral complexity deliver depth and breadth. On the palate - more of the same plus an abundance of tannins and acidity to provide structure, back bone and longetvity. On days 2 and 3 the wine develops further showing its proclivity for ageing over the next 15 years (if stored properly). Fantastic length and complexity, promise and intrigue. This is a very particular expression of Pinot Noir that is not only a serious wine, but one that continues to show the breadth and depth of style from the Marlborough region. Best dirnking from 2023 through 2033+ 60th Anniversary bottling" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

"Marlborough Pinot ain't what it used to be, and for that I'm glad. The 2019 Pinot Noir Attorney is a limited-edition Cuvée made for the 60th anniversary of the company's first vintage in 1961. Sourced from the Attorney vineyard in Marlborough, hence the wine's name, this conservative young wine needs air; while offering raspberry and balsamic notes, it is a touch reductive on opening. Densely concentrated with a silken and mouthfilling texture, which is probably a reflection of its clay-based hillside site; the veil of fine-grained tannins offsets the charming, ripe palate with textured, dry grip. In combination with its naturally fresh acidity, the wine is sensuous and seductive but avoids being opulent; it remains focused and enjoys a long tenure in the mouth. (It is also great for doing bicep curls due to the weight of the bottle.) For those who are interested, it was wild-fermented in French oak (35% new) and matured in barrel for more than a year before being bottled unfiltered" Michael Cooper

"Our passionate pursuit of producing quality grapes in Marlborough ensures this wine represents our tūrangawaewae (sense of place). This exceptional parcel of Pinot Noir from the Attorney Vineyard 2019 vintage is truly deserving of its Icon status" Helen Morrison, Winemaker

The birth of an icon and an extraordinary milestone. The first impression of Attorney is stern, this is a wine that wants to be noticed, and should be taken seriously, however as it opens up you should find ample black cherry fruit, bold tannins and subtle graphite minerality from the oak supporting the wine and adding freshness.

Planted in 2002, Attorney Vineyard is situated in the Southern Valleys subregion of Marlborough on a north facing block on the dry eastern foothills of the Wairau Valley. This sub-region receives minimal rainfall in the growing season and its deep clay soils provide perfect conditions to apply organic farming principles.

Colder weather in spring led to a longer than usual flowering season, esulting in smaller bunches with tighter structure and smaller bunches. Summer temperatures were unusually mild for Marlborough, regulated by cooler easterly breezes and light cloud cover. Intermittent autumn rains slowed ripening which meant our harvest plans had to be flexible whilst we waited for dry weather periods and flavours to develop.

The 2019 Marlborough vintage presented our winemakers with a truly exceptional parcel of organic Pinot Noir from our Attorney Vineyard and the promise of a very special wine. It gives us great pleasure to unveil Villa Maria Attorney Marlborough Pinot Noir, a new Villa Maria Icon to be released in 2022 coinciding with the 60th Anniversary of our first vintage in 1962. This new Icon joins our esteemed Villa Maria Ngakirikiri Hawkes Bay Cabernet Sauvignon as the ultimate embodiment of our passion to craft and share the very best New Zealand wines with the world as we celebrate 60 years of extraordinary New Zealand winemaking.