The 2020 Ngakirikiri feels much riper in its expression, although on the palate, the wine has all of the poise and focus of the 2019 tasted prior. These two wines make up two-thirds of a great trifecta of vintages in Hawke's Bay, across 2019, 2020 and 2021. In terms of purchasing and cellaring, these are three vintages to get behind. The seasons were dry and mild, although there was some seasonal variation in temperature. This is all dark fruit and berries, cocoa, resinous peat and tobacco. — acclaim for 2020 Villa Maria Ngakirikiri from Wine Advocate, Mar 2025

The 2021 Single Vineyard The Attorney Pinot Noir was tasted alongside the Seddon Pinot of the same vintage. Both come from the Seddon vineyard, located in the Southern Valleys subregion. The clay soils here produce darker more concentrated fruit with strict tannins, and the elevation gives the wine some delicacy and focus. The site is largely planted to Abel clone (86%), the balance is Clone 113, at a yield of around two kilograms per vine. The wine is matured in 32% new oak for 15 months and spends seven months in tank prior to bottling. This is all coffee grounds and boysenberry, raspberry pip and tapenade. The wine feels as if it will age well through the next decade, and likely beyond. I prefer the levity and grace of the Seddon Vineyard Pinot, but many will prefer the power and drive of this Attorney. Both are excellent wines. — acclaim for 2021 Villa Maria The Attorney from Wine Advocate, Mar 2025

The 2022 Keltern Chardonnay is tropical and with a creamy texture in the mouth, with yellow peach and sweet apricot fruit. This has salty acidity and attractive drive across the mouth. The cooler 2022 season has imbued the wine with energy and texture. I like this wine very much today. — acclaim for 2022 Villa Maria Single Vineyard Keltern Chardonnay from Wine Advocate, Mar 2025