MILLS REEF ELSPETH MERLOT 2020

Trophy for Champion Merlot & Blends – National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand 2025
Gold Medal – National Wine Awards of Aotearoa New Zealand 2025

Winery notes (2020 Vintage)
"This outstanding Merlot, from an exceptional vintage, shows great poise exuding intense notes of ripened blackcurrant and spicy Black Doris plums. In harmony with silky smooth tannins and a wonderful freshness yielding a persistently long mocha finish. Ready for immediate enjoyment, it will also cellar gracefully to reward longer term enjoyment.

The grapes were gently crushed, allowing some whole berries to remain intact, with the resulting must then transferred into an open-top fermenter for a 3-day cold soak. Fermentation proceeded with daily air rummage of the cap for colour, flavour and fine tannin extraction. An extended post fermentation skin contact regime enhanced the structure and balance of the wine before being pressed and transferred to barrel. The resulting wine was racked once and aged for 20 months in quality French oak 300L hogsheads (34% new wood). After a light fining and filter the wine was bottled on 2nd September 2022."

Rated Excellent & 93/100 Cameron Douglas MS, March 2026 (2020 Vintage)
"An excellent bouquet and palate still. Aromas and flavours of black currant and dark berries, baking spices of clove and five spice then smoky barrel and stony dry earth ideas. As the wine touches the palate there’s a soft rounded smooth mouthfeel then almost instantly the tannins and acidity deliver their messages. A wine that is beginning to develop more complexities and personality as the elements integrate and harmonise. Well made, lengthy and delicious. Best alongside food – perhaps cheese. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2032+."