Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Hawke’s Bay Gamay Noir 2020 $25 
With less than 5 ha of gamay (full name Gamay Noir à Jus Blanc) planted in all New Zealand, it’s one of the rarest styles seen in our market. It’s mainly recognised as the red grape grown in Beaujolais to make their famously fresh, juicy, lightly-styled signature styles. It’s not as bold, dark, tannic and grunty as merlot, cabernet or syrah,but it’s much more complex and powerful than your average rosé too. Winemaker Gordon Russell and his team used a tiny parcel of fruit from the Two Terraces Vineyard in Maraekakaho to create this wine with whole clusters, wild yeasts, ultra-gentle plunging and 11 months aging on its lees. Just two barrels (or 60doz) were made. It’s amazing. I love the ripe raspberry, cherry and chocolate characters, the gentle, creamy textures and it’s long, earthy finish. Get it now or kick yo self.
