Classic styled Marlborough SB bouquet with sweet grassy herbal attributes wrapped in fresh vibrant fruit suggestions - but not too intense - with softer herb attack; peach, sweet grapefruit and generous concentration of fruit overall. On the palate - just dry with plenty of crisp acidity, ripe almost sweet fruit flavors; high acidity, crisp and lively, balanced in a drink now style; medium length and finish.
4 Stars
Esk Valley Hawke's Bay Pinot Gris 2014 13.5%
Fruity, generous, spicy and bold with aromas of white fleshed fruits both tree and stone. On the palate - lush and fruity with lots of white peach and pear flavors; medium+ acidity brings a crispness and vibrancy to the wine; hints of white spice, balanced and well made.
3.5 Stars
Esk Valley Hawke's Bay Rose 2014 13%
This wine has a little more complexity on the nose than even I expected - a mineral stony soil note alongside a mix of light red fruit aromas and flavors; there is some light svaory notes and a gentle masculinity with a touch of tannin. This is the best example of rose Esk Valley have produced in 5 years! I like it. It has character and presence as well as charm and a lot of drinkability; medium++ acidity and a noticeable medium+ length. Well made.
4.5 Stars
Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2013 14%
Lots of bold creamy oak centered vanilla suggestions in the bouquet with baked peach and other stone fruit aromas; spicy too from the oak with a medium+ complexity and nutty nuances. On the palate - a medium+ to full-bodied style with lots of character and flavor from the stone fruit and oak interplay; juicy and spicy this is a very smart wine for Chardonnay fans; the nutty oak suggestions add complexity and character; medium+ acidity, balanced and drinkable now as well as cellar-able for 3-5 years (if not more).
4.5 Stars
Esk Valley Hawke's Bay Chardonnay 2013 13.5%
Creamy, generous, fruity and inviting bouquet of Chardonnay with poached stone fruit and apple suggestions as well as fresh fruits of the same; the oak is obvious, but reserved making the bouquet of this wine more elegant overall. On the palate - medium complexity with medium+ acidity, the oak does punch through a little more, but with ripe fruit and medium+ acidity this is all managed very well; medium+ body (just), balanced and well made. I would drink this over Summer to Summer 2014 and 2015.
4 Stars
Esk Valley Gimblett Gravels Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Malbec 2013 13.5%
A bouquet packet with fresh, bold and concentrated fruit aromas - black cherry and poached plum, blackberry and blueberry; no mistaking the bold use of oak - woody and spicy with plenty of toasty brown spice notes, the fruit absorbs this easily. On the palate - youthful, dry and concentrated, the elements of oak and fruit are yet to meld, this will happen over the coming years; high tannins with medium++ acidity; medium++ oak flavors - all these add length and complexity to this wine. Not yet in balance simply because it is too young - therefore decant and rest several hours before service and be sure to enjoy with some richly flavored sweet meat.
5 Stars
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