ESK VALLEY GIMBLETT GRAVELS MERLOT / CABERNET SAUVIGNON / MALBEC 2018

Winery notes (2018 Vintage)
"​This wine was produced grown within the boundaries of the renown Gimblett Gravels subregion of Hawkes Bay. These gravel soils have excellent drainage and low vigour, ideal for the production of high- quality red grapes. Vineyard sites are close planted and yields per vine are kept low to maximise quality.

This wine is a fragrant, complex medium bodied Gimblett Gravels blend. Densely coloured, it has a bouquet of dark cherry, tobacco and cedar, while the palate high-quality with supple tannins. This wine can be enjoyed while young but will gain complexity with further age."

Reviews for the 2017 vintage below…

4 ½ Stars Michael Cooper (2017 Vintage)
"Offering irresistible value, the 2017 vintage is a blend of Merlot (49 per cent), Malbec (26 per cent), Cabernet Sauvignon (19 per cent) and Cabernet Franc (6 per cent), matured for a year in French oak barriques (10 per cent new). Possessing more muscle, density, structure and complexity than most reds in its price category, it is mouthfilling, fleshy and savoury, with strong, ripe, plummy, berryish, spicy flavours, good complexity, and a well-rounded, very harmonious finish. Drink now or cellar."

91/100 Wine Enthusiast (2017 Vintage)
"This is classic Gimblett Gravels – with Merlot leading the way – at a bargain price. Notes of ripe blackberries, currents, warm earth, ground black pepper and dried savoury herbs with some oaky tones can be found on both the nose and the palate. It's full bodied and generously fruited, wound with a dusty thread of earthy tannins and a herbal finish. Drink now, with a rare steak or throughout the next decade."