Mills Reef Elspeth Gimblett Gravels Hawke's Bay Merlot 2020

Description

Blackcurrant, Mocha, Oak

"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+" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier, Mar 2026

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. 

This single-vineyard Merlot is a testament to their estate-grown Mere Road grapes trained on low-yielding vines in the renowned Gimblett Gravels of Hawkes Bay. 

Food Pairing: Well suited to grilled Filet Mignon with a wild mushroom sauce.