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Buy OnlineUNPRECEDENTED PRICING ON SUPER PREMIUM AGED HAWKES BAY RED BLEND
Deals like this on premium aged reserve wines don't come along often, so when they do, our best advice is grab what the budget allows and thank yourself later for not missing out.
The Elephant Hill Reserves are a special barrel selection that sit between the Estate series and the super-premium Icons range – and are only released when the conditions are absolutely perfect. The 2018 vintage saw consistently warmer days, allowing for exceptionally high-quality fruit.
The 2018 Elephant Hill Reserve Merlot Cabernets will reward those with the patience to cellar this further. Although delicious now, this wine is built for the long hall and any astute collector would do well put this in their cellar – and if you don't have a cellar, this offer gives you the perfect excuse to start one!
Of course, with 6 years from vintage, there's no harm in drinking now, and will be a showstopping wine if put on the dinner table this winter. Either way, don't miss out this!
Winery notes (2018 Vintage)
"Hand-picked grapes from our Gimblett and Bridge Pa vineyards have contributed to the 2018 Reserve red blend. The warmer 2018 vintage has produced a wine of elegance and concentration that will reward cellaring until 2032."
5 Stars & 95/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, December 2023 (2018 Vintage)
"Seductively complex and enticing, the wine shows cassis, tobacco, warm spice and cedar characters on the nose, followed by a sumptuous palate that's both firmly structured and refined. It's beautifully layered with delectable flavours and silky texture, finishing persistent and robust. At its best: now to 2033."
Rated Classic & 5 Stars Michael Cooper (2018 Vintage)
"The 2018 vintage was estate-grown and hand-harvested in the Gimblett Gravels and the Bridge Pa Triangle, and matured for a year in French oak casks (35 per cent new). Deep and still fairly youthful in colour, it is fragrant, mouthfilling, fleshy and sweet-fruited, with concentrated, ripe blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, hints of liquorice, nuts and coffee, and a rich, smooth finish. Weighty, savoury and smooth, it's delicious now, but should also cellar well."
5 Stars & 19/20 (95) Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Reviews, January 2024 (2018 Vintage)
"Deep ruby-red with some bricking, lighter on the rim. This has a generous, opulent bouquet with aromas of leather, cedar, dried violet, an amalgam of spice, underlying plum, cassis and blackberry. Full-bodied, aromas of plum, cassis and blackberry enriched by layers of nutmeg, cloves, leather and cedar. Fine-grained ripe tannins provide structure and an opulent mouthfeel. The fruit, acidity and oak are integrated harmoniously, lending a long, rich finish. This Merlot Cabernet shows beautifully with generous flavours and layers in harmony, well-structured and robust. Match with braised beef short ribs and tomahawk over the next 8+ years. Handpicked fruit from Gimblett and Bridge Pa vineyards, fermented to 13.5% alc, aged in French oak, 35% new."
Rated Excellent & 93/100 Cameron Douglas MS, December 2023 (2018 Vintage)
"Great colour matched by the intensity of the bouquet and impact on the palate with flavours of roasted Doris plums and black currant then baking spices of cinnamon and clove. As the wine opens out on the palate the flavours evolve adding in black currant, dried herbs and a touch of chocolate and cigar. Medium intensity tannins, polished and fine, medium+ acid line and oak flavours to match with some smoky highlights. Well made, aged and ready to drink from day of purchase through 2027."
*Note this wine is under cork, rather than screw cap as pictured
