A dry and mild summer with Marlborough’s signature high sunshine hours and cool nights delivered fruit in the best possible condition. The 2021 early autumn season provided Marlborough with very stable weather conditions, therefore fruit was able to reach optimal physiological and flavour ripeness. The fruit was impeccably clean and the lower yields meant the grapes packed punch in flavour and concentration.

Located in the Fairhall locality below the eastern foothills of Marlborough’s Wairau Valley, the vineyard surrounds Villa Maria’s Marlborough winery. Originally planted in 1999 with more recent planting as late as 2015. The typically warm days and cool nights during the growing season lead to intense concentrated flavours with a fresh energetic line of acidity while the predominantly clay based soils give weight and structure to the wines. Sustainable practices and an emphasis on biodiversity brings life into the vineyard ensuring healthy, resilient vines that produce complex and characterful wines.