2021 was an exceptional Hawkes Bay vintage, following on beautifully from the previous two vintages of excellent growing conditions. Warmer than average temperatures and low rainfall encouraged fruit across the region to achieve optimum ripeness and maintain excellent condition through to harvest. This wine is a blend of Villa Maria's Gimblett Gravels vineyards, where free draining soils temper vine vigour, resulting in low yields of ripe and concentrated fruit.