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ESK VALLEY GREAT DIRT COLLECTION RIVER GRAVEL MERLOT / MALBEC / CABERNET FRANC 2021

Product Code: 4042
Country: New Zealand
Region: Hawkes Bay
Style: Red
Variety: Cabernet / Merlot Blend
Producer: Esk Valley Wines

Closure: Screw Cap
Unit: Each
Volume: 750ml
Alcohol: 14.5%
Grape: Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc

Original price was: $78.99.Current price is: $59.99.

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Winery notes (2021 Vintage)
"The ultimate selection from three tiny vineyard plots of greywacke river gravel, silt and sand strewn soils deposited in the wake of the 1867 Ngaruroro River flood. These infertile and heat reflective soils produce a powerful, structured wine worthy of an extended wait in the cellar.

This full bodied complex Gimblett Gravels wine is widely regarded as being amongst the finest of New Zealand’s red wines, with a pedigree stretching back to 1989. Very deeply coloured it showcases the black fruit nature of Gimblett Gravels wines. Blackberry and dark cherry are complemented with aromas and flavours of tobacco and cedar."

Reviews for previous vintages below…

5 Stars Michael Cooper (2019 Vintage)
"The classy, debut 2019 vintage was grown at two sites in the Gimblett Gravels (Ngakirikiri and Cornerstone vineyards), and matured for 19 months in French oak barriques (45 per cent new). Dark and purple-flushed, with a fragrant, ripe bouquet, it is full-bodied and complex, with fresh, highly concentrated blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, seasoned with nutty oak, and good tannin backbone. It should flourish for a decade."

5 Stars & 95/100 Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, June 2021 (2019 Vintage)
"Gorgeously aromatic bouquet shows cassis, cedar, dried herb, clove and floral aromas, leading to a richly textured palate that's powerful yet graceful. Brilliantly framed by loads of fine-grained tannins, making it sturdy and superbly lingering on the finish. A blend of Merlot, Malbec & Cabernet Sauvignon from Ngakirikiri & Cornerstone vineyards. At its best: 2023 to 2034."

Rated Outstanding & 95/100 Cameron Douglas MS, January 2022 (2019 Vintage)
"Complex and youthful with a core of red berry fruits with highlights of coco & baking spices of barrel with vanilla and sweet clove with some bacon and tobacco notes. The core of fruit carries through the palate highlighted by raspberry, plum, cherry and fresh black berry. Tannins are fine and in abundance, acidity layers in freshness and texture. Overall a delicious wine with a perfect combination of flavour and mouthfeel. Best drinking from late 2022 through 2030."

Rated Excellent, 5 Stars & 93/100 NZ Wine Rater, August 2022 (2019 Vintage)
"Intense, bright, youthful nose in a classic, modern Bordeaux style with complex aromas of cassis, plum, hints of tobacco, polished cedar and creamy vanilla pod. Quite intense and powerful with a sweet-fruited attack and very rich, robust structured tannins that will require a little patience or a hearty meal at the very least."

We provide a door to door delivery service nationwide. Delivery charges are calculated on a 12 bottle case or part there of.

Delivery charges are calculated during the checkout process based off your address post code. Please ensure you choose the correct post code. We will advise you if you have chosen the incorrect post code.

You may also choose to 'pick up' your order from our wine shop at 188 Durham Street South, Christchurch.

For further details on prices and delivery options please go to the Delivery & Returns section of our site.

If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that it may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on (03) 3655134.

Note, for orders of 1 - 2 bottles we charge an additional $6 for packaging. To ensure the safety of the bottles we use specially designed posting boxes.

Can't find what you're looking for or we don't have enough product in stock? Get in touch with us and we'll see what we can do.

Esk Valley thrived under Sir George Fistonich's ownership of Glenvale Winery since 1986. It evolved from a port and sherry market to a producer of innovative, high-quality wines. Winemaker Gordon Russell pushed boundaries, introducing new grape varieties and styles in Hawkes Bay.

From historic cellars in northern Hawkes Bay to the new winery in Gimblett Gravels, Esk Valley creates top-notch wines. Using traditional methods like concrete fermenters for red grapes, they continue to build their reputation.

Gordon Russell, born in New Plymouth, developed a passion for fine wine during his travels in Europe. Returning to New Zealand in 1986, he became Esk Valley's winemaker in 1993 after working for Villa Maria and Esk Valley as an assistant winemaker.

Gordon aims to craft wines that express their vineyard origins. By focusing on vineyard care, he simplifies the winemaking process. Esk Valley strives for a natural style, utilising wild yeast and extended lees ageing.

Esk Valley sources grapes from Hawkes Bay and Marlborough. Hawkes Bay's warm climate and gravel soils are ideal for reds and fuller whites. Marlborough, known for its unique Sauvignon Blanc, produces vibrant wines. Esk Valley offers a range including Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Syrah, Chardonnay, Verdelho, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, and Pinot Noir.