ESSES ABODE BRUT CUVÉE 2020

Esses Estate is the located with pristine surrounds of Kaikoura Seaward ranges, with stunning views across the peninsula and along Kaikoura coastline. 20-year-old vines over 1.5ha are the passion of Aaron and Mel Skinner.

Mel and Aaron are passionate sparkling lovers, and having searched the world, found a gorgeous little plot of vines located in the magnificent foothills of Kaikoura. Esses is the only vineyard near Kaikoura township and specialises solely in Méthode Traditionnelle.

Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
"Rich pastry and roasted hazelnut complexity leaps from the glass, backed by the intense zing of tangy apple and orange zest. A full-bodied, weighty and creamy sparkling wine built around the firm core of acidity, this finishes with a sliver of sweetness but also plenty of savoury richness from autolysis before eventually giving way to lingering oyster-shell and yuzu flavours. A mouthful of méthode traditionnelle and packed with concentration, the off-dry style makes it approachable now but it clearly has the material to justify further ageing in bottle for added complexity."

Rated Excellent & 94/100 Cameron Douglas MS, March 2026 (2020 Vintage)
"A bold and expressive bouquet packed with scents of ripe yellow stone fruits and baked apples, then citrus with grapefruit and sweet lemon. There’s a distinctive butter brioche quality showcasing the effects of entreillage and bottle age. Complex and enticing. On the palate a dry wine with a fine mousse, layers of autolysis and a touch of white spice and salt then flavours of citrus and stone fruits that reflect the bouquet. Plush and ripe, dry with plenty of length and style. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2030+."