Esk Valley Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec

Built in 1933 by Englishman Robert Bird who produced fortified wine from the 1930s through to the 1970s (under the name Glenvale) until the Esk Valley name was created for a premium range of table wines.

These days the Esk Valley name is owned by the Indevin group, New Zealand’s largest wine grower and producer. And when you operate on the size on the scale these guys do you have access to incredible vineyards, growers, quality fruit and top winemakers.

We’ve been banging on about it for years and we’ll say it again. Esk Valley Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec (Esk Valley’s entry level Bordeaux blend label) is one of NZ’s best value for money reds. Hands down. End of story.

The latest 2025 vintage (a really good vintage for Hawke’s Bay!) is here and yet again for a 100% Gimblett Gravels blend red you have to wonder how on earth they do it! This latest release is Merlot (48%), Cabernet Sauvignon (29%) and Malbec (23%).

Sometimes a wine just lets the awards do the talking and this has had plenty to say down the years…

The 2024 vintage was Gold @ NZ Int’l Wine Show
The 2021 vintage made Decanter magazine’s “NZ wines: 15 reds to buy” (and said “As value goes, this blend is a complete winner.”)
The 2020 made Cuisine magazine’s Best Buy list.
The 2019 was a Top Rank and Top Value Award winner with Master of Wine Bob Campbell.
The 2018 won Trophy for Champion Merlot & Blends at the Royal Easter Wine Awards.
The 2017 was Michael Cooper’s Best Buy Red Wine of the Year.

Esk Valley Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec is made using 100% Gimblett Gravels fruit this just incredible bang for your buck yet again. A medium to full bodied, smooth, elegant and insanely delicious red full of dark berry and plum fruit flavours and supple tannins. A great red to bang on the table for the Sunday lamb roast. Esk Valley Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec