Esk Valley Great Dirt Hillside Hawke's Bay Malbec Merlot Cabernet Franc Syrah 2019

Description

Cherry, Oak, Tobacco

"Still a baby, the classy 2019 vintage (5*) was grown in the Heipipi Vineyard at Bay View. From vines planted in 1989 and 2009 (Syrah), it was matured for 18 months in French oak barrels (37 per cent new). Deeply coloured, it is a powerful, sturdy, complex red, with very concentrated, berryish, distinctly spicy flavours, nutty, savoury and supple. Full of cellaring potential, it should break into full stride 2024+" Michael Cooper

"Styled in classic Bordeaux frame, this terrific offering shows blackcurrant, cedar, tobacco and vanilla aromas on the nose, followed by a brilliantly focused and flowing palate displaying excellent persistency and structure. Wonderfully balanced and seductively complex. A blend of Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc & Syrah. From the Heipipi The Terraces vineyard. At its best: 2023 to 2034" Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, Jun 2021

"Delicious and powerful full-bodied core with aromas of dark berries and chocolate, blackberries and plums, forest berries and baking spices of oak - clove and cinnamon, bacon and vanilla then tobacco. Equally full, rich and tasty on the palate with flavours that mirror the nose; firm tannins and youthful acid line and  stony earthy quality that layers in minerality and complexity. A bold expression with fruit, flavour, texture, power and intensity. Best drinking from 2022 through 2030+" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier

This dark-fruited and complex wine integrates the structure of Bordeaux varietals with the elegance of Syrah. Flavours tend towards red fruits, plum, dark cherry and spice. Earthy tobacco and cedar notes add further complexity. The wine is soft and mouthfilling with well-ripened tannins and although approachable as a young wine should continue to develop complexity for many years to come. Decant before serving.

This wine is sourced from the famed “Terraces” vineyard. This limestone-based vineyard on the northwest facing hillside at the old Esk Valley winery site in Bay View has long been known for its ability to make elegant and complex wine. The vineyard was initially planted in Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Franc in 1989 on re-established terraces which had sat idle for 30 years and then in 2007 an area of scrubland at the top of the hill was cleared for a small plot of Syrah. The vineyard is densely planted and dry-farmed with extremely low yields per vine.

The Bordeaux varieties were hand harvested and destemmed to a single concrete fermenter while the Syrah, also hand harvested was fermented separately and blended later.The fermentations were conducted with indigenous yeasts and managed with hand plunging. A period of maceration followed to soften tannins and add complexity. The new wine underwent malolactic fermentation in French oak barriques and then given a further 18 months ageing before blending and bottling in March 2021. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.