($18, Ste. Michelle Wine Estates):  Villa Maria is one of New Zealand’s leading producers who delivers consistent quality–and value–across a broad range of wines.  They have four “tiers” of wines. In descending order of stature and price they are Single Vineyard, Reserve, Cellar Selection and Private Bin.  The Single Vineyard ones are those from an individual vineyard that the winemaking team believes is particularly noteworthy.  The Reserve wines are the best multi-vineyard wines they can make from a particular region and, along with their Single Vineyard bottlings, are their best wines.  The wines labeled Cellar Selection are those that failed to make the cut into the Reserve selection but are of a higher quality than their Private Bin label.   Their 2008 Bordeaux blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec sits, in terms of weight and intensity, very nicely between the power of California and the restraint of Bordeaux. The focus remains on ripe fruit, but there are enough non-fruit nuances to provide satisfying complexity.  Its plush and polished texture allows immediate enjoyment.  It’s an excellent choice for a roast leg of lamb. 91 Michael Apstein Dec 7, 2010