Esk Valley River Gravel Merlot Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon

One of the most jaw dropping NZ Bordeaux style red deals we’ve seen in some time! Esk Valley are offering a one-off, probably-not-to-be-repeated, sharp discount on their multi award winning, full blooded Bordeaux blend that usually sits around $70 on shelves. It’s down to $24.99!

This is a first class Bordeaux style red using fruit from two tiny plots on the truly iconic Ngakirikiri and Cornerstone vineyards in the world famous Gimblett Gravels.

The wine spent 19 months in 45% expensive new French oak with the final blend being 39% Merlot, 31% Malbec  and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s not hard to see why this wine has had pundits singing its praises…

96/100 (Andrew Caillard MW, Gimblett Gravels Annual Vintage Selection 2019)

5 Stars (Michael Cooper)
“The classy, debut 2019 vintage was grown at two sites in the Gimblett Gravels (Ngakirikiri and Cornerstone vineyards), and matured for 19 months in French oak barriques (45 per cent new). Dark and purple-flushed, with a fragrant, ripe bouquet, it is full-bodied and complex, with fresh, highly concentrated blackcurrant, plum and spice flavours, seasoned with nutty oak, and good tannin backbone. It should flourish for a decade.” 

95/100 (Sam Kim)
“Gorgeously aromatic bouquet shows cassis, cedar, dried herb, clove and floral aromas, leading to a richly textured palate that’s powerful yet graceful….At its best: 2023 to 2034.”

95/100 (Cam Douglas MS)
“Overall a delicious wine with a perfect combination of flavour and mouthfeel. Best drinking from late 2022 through 2030”

93/100 (Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review)
“Intense and quite youthful Gimblett Gravels red with plum, cassis, liquorice and blackcurrant supported by a backbone of firm, ripe tannins. Richly-textured and slightly jammy red with obvious cellaring potential.”

A serious style red with plenty of cellaring potential for 10-15 years from vintage. Grab it before it’s gone.