George Fistonich started Villa Maria as a one-man band in 1961. An icon of the NZ wine industry, this family owned company became a global brand in just 50 years. Villa Maria's Cellar Selection is an intensely flavoured, elegant and food-friendly wine range.

Lifted spice and ripe mulberry/blackberry aromas are complemented with chocolate, cedar and cinnamon on the nose. Well-integrated oak tannin provides flavours of clove and supple texture, which supports the rich plum, blackberry and mocha. The overall structure is supple and generous with fine-grained tannin and a lingering finish.

Deep purple and violet in glass, the nose presents well with darker florals, a touch of cassis, pepper spice and with a lovely dark spiced plum floating in the background. To taste the palate is supple and elegantly managed with gentle tannin and a long savoury spice finish with a hint of spice.

Dense in colour with loads of ripe red fruits, black pepper, and spicy oak aromatics. The palate is loaded with rich red plum and wild berry fruits, and shows well balanced tannin and a silky smooth yet savoury mouth feel.

Beautifully aromatic with sweet vanillan notes, delicate florals, scented oak spice and subtle creaminess. Complimented with aromas of quince, honeysuckle, golden peach and tropical nuances. The palate is juicy with grapefruit acidity, peach and nectarine flavours and a deliciously long finish.

Perfumed with sweet berry and floral violet aromatics, a touch of gamey spice and dark licorice notes. The palate is full with silky fruit tannins, juicy concentrated berry fruit flavours, sweet and peppery spice with cocoa and liquorice on the finish.

Perfumed spice, ginger nut, baked stone fruit, white blossoms and dried apricots aromas fill the bouquet. The palate is rich and full, with wonderful spice and concentrated stone fruit and citrus flavours. Perfectly balanced between acidity, opulence and texture to give a juicy long finish.

This wine has enticing aromas of ripe peach, hazelnut, brioche and hints of vanillin. Ten months in a mix of new and seasoned French Oak gives a balanced and elegant palate with a soft and lingering mealy, nutty and seductive finish.

Deep brick red in colour, this wine exudes aromas of cherry, red currant, cigar box and chocolate, with hints of toasty oak. The palate exhibits similar flavours with the addition of fine tannins and liquorice, with a warm spicy finish.

The palate has great fruit concentration and texture. Stone fruit notes are balanced by fresh citrus characters. Hints of butterscotch and great length of flavour make it a delicious pairing with Camembert cheese, pan seared salmon or other white meat dishes.

Bright, young and vibrant medium bodied palate, showing red berry flavours, supported by hints of cigar box and cedar in the background. A juicy mid palate presenting great structure, with a balanced acidity.

Clos Henri Sauvignon Blanc, expresses a distinctive minerality (flintiness) and elegance underlined with excellent fruit purity. It is a wine of complexity and great aging potential.