New Zealand Wine Review – Villa Maria, Marlborough, Pinot Noir 2012

Food match: Lamb chops with boiled potatoes, peas and butter.

Aroma: Almost no discernible odour on first pour. Faint musty, stewed plum scent evolved over drinking time.

Color: Very dark claret. Quite murky.

Body: Medium bodied, heavier than expected.

Taste: Strong taste of alcohol. Chilli flavours. Bitter in the nose and the back of throat.

Cost: $NZD12 from Pak 'n' Save Kilbirnie

Quality rating: 1.5/5

Value rating: 3/5

Final words: This ANZ Silver Medal Winner had a sharp, sand paper quality. Okay for a cheap drop.