Two Villa Maria Reds

Two Villa Maria reds from the Private Bin range

Villa Maria's wines have a quality, consistency and typical New Zealand freshness; Private Bin is the fruit-led, entry-level range.

Villa Maria Private Bin Pinot Noir 2015 (£13.35, The Co-op, Morrison’s, Asda, independents) earthy, mushroomy nose, with black cherry fruit, raspberries and spice. Very fresh, with fine tannins.

Expressive, interesting and thoroughly pleasant; and decent value for a Pinot.

Villa Maria Private Bin Shiraz 2014 ( £13.35 Wine Rack, independents) pencil shavings, red plum and spice with herbs. Very fresh, almost to the point of tartness.

Lacking substance on the mid-palate, the 2.5g of residual sugar hints at attempts to bulk it up a bit and balance out the acidity.

Match the freshness of these wines to a rare steak.

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Villa Maria Pinot Noir