Vidal Reserve Gimblett Gravels Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon 2013 $19 ★★★★½ The gold medals are already swinging off the neck of this wine crafted by the ridiculously talented Hugh Crichton. A blend of 57 % merlot, 35% cabernet sauvignon, 7% malbec and 1% cabernet franc, this wine hits that sweet spot between delivering muscular, meaty, dark … Read More
gimblett gravels
Esk Valley Gimblett Gravels Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2014
Esk Valley Gimblett Gravels Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2014 $19 ★★★★★ Super-glossy and garnet-black in the glass, this seriously-overdelivers-for-the-price wine has racked up an impressive pedigree of awards at major wine shows in recent years. I love the aroma of soy, blackcurrant leaf, dried herbs and carob. Black plum, biscuit oak and a backbone of … Read More
Don’t ignore 2012’s from Hawke’s Bay
An email arrived halfway through January from Michael Henley, CEO of Trinity Hill Wines. “Trinity Hill are releasing our 2012 Gimblett Gravels wines and I was wondering if you would be interested in receiving some samples?” “Save your samples”, I wrote back, “I’m actually in Hawke’s Bay right now and I’m happy to pop over … Read More
Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Gimblett Gravels Merlot Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2010
Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Gimblett Gravels Merlot Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon 2010 $59 ★★★★★ Inky purple in the glass and boasts aromas of pomegranate molasses, sweet fruit-wood smoke and prune followed by layers of complex, berry and cocoa notes. It’s built like a skyscraper, each level opening up to a floor with a different décor. With … Read More
Babich Irongate Gimblett Graves Cabernet Merlot Franc 2010
Babich Irongate Gimblett Gravels Cabernet Merlot Franc 2010 $35 ★★★★★ Intense red rose, berry and seasoned leather aromas open up to punchy plum flavours and a deliciously warming, medicinal mouthfeel. I love how poised and elegant this wine is, and the persistence of flavour is just outstanding. www.babichwines.co.nz
William Murdoch Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2010
William Murdoch Syrah 2010 $35 ★★★★ I really like this snazzy, certified organic syrah sourced from Hawke’s Bay’s Gimblett Gravels subregion, because of its bright, vibrant violet, plum and pepper perfume and its lean, elegant, medium-bodied mouthfeel. It has lovely texture and a long, spicy finish.
Let’s be Franc…
When it comes to popular wine varieties cabernet franc is the bridesmaid of the Bordeaux family. Essential in that everyone expects it to be there, (to make up the numbers and keep the feng shui of all the flavours in balance) but it never seems to be singled out for much attention. I absolutely love … Read More
Must’ve happened in a Pask life…
Pask’s got the Power! New life is being injected into the 30 year old CJ Pask brand with the addition of pinot noir from Martinborough and aromatics from Marlborough in a move that has made General Manager and Winemaker Kate Radburnd very happy. “I first met ex-top dressing pilot Chris Pask when he supplied grapes … Read More
Stonecroft 30th Anniversary Shindig!
An interesting wee invitation popped into my inbox from the lovely Andria Monin from Stonecroft in Hawke’s Bay “We will be celebrating Stonecroft’s 30th anniversary at Labour Weekend. As you know, since we took over at Stonecroft in 2010 we have held an Annual Vintage Sale at Labour Weekend, where we have brought out some … Read More
Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2010
CRAGGY RANGE GIMBLETT GRAVELS CHARDONNAY 2010, $34 Drool-inducing aromas of grapefruit pith, ripe peach and buttered crumpets slathered in honey. It’s succulent and juicy with tropical tones and nicely balanced, gently-managed toasty oak to counter the fruit sweetness. Crisp and tangy, it’s a real treat and worth every cent. www.craggyrange.com