Elephant Hill is all about quality. From their award winning restaurant (now closed), winery building and of course to their wines. We just love the Le Phant Rouge because it's just so deliciously drinkable with gorgeous fruit and a lovely spice element coming through from the Syrah. All up it's a juicy, round and mouthfilling blend that shows Hawkes Bay red at its accessible best.
Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
"A medium-bodied Merlot dominant blend displaying blackberry, cassis and plum characters with a succulent texture and great finish. It can be enjoyed for a further 6 to 8 years from vintage."
5 Stars & 94/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, March 2022 (2020 Vintage)
"Gorgeously ripe and complex, showing blackcurrant, dark plum, violet, olive and subtle cedar characters on the nose. The concentrated palate is both refined and powerful, delivering excellent depth and richness backed by plenty of fine tannins, finishing persistent and satisfying. At its best: now to 2030."
Rated Excellent & 93/100 Cameron Douglas MS, April 2022 (2020 Vintage)
"This red blend made with merlot, syrah, tempranillo and malbec – offers aromas of boysenberry and plum, mixed berry compote, violet and a whisper of dark chocolate. Oak, toasty aromas and baking spices add depth and on the palate a velvet mouthfeel. Plenty of acidity to contrast a core of fruit flavours that mirror the bouquet. Balanced, well made and ready to drink from day of purchase and through 2026."
4 Stars Michael Cooper (2020 Vintage)
"Enjoyable young, the 2020 vintage is a full-coloured blend of six grape varieties – Merlot (41 per cent), Syrah (24 per cent), Tempranillo (18 per cent), Malbec (12 per cent), Cabernet Sauvignon (3 per cent) and Cabernet Franc (2 per cent). Grown in the Bridge Pa Triangle (55 per cent), the Gimblett Gravels (35 per cent) and at Te Awanga (10 per cent), it was partly oak-aged. Full-coloured, it is fresh, mouthfilling, vibrantly fruity and supple, with generous plum, spice and blackcurrant flavours, showing some savoury complexity, and very good depth and harmony."