2019 Esk Valley River Gravel Merlot Malbec Cabernet Sauvignon

Brand	Esk Valley Estate
Region	Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay
Varietal	Merlot Malbec Cab Sauv
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	14.0%
Vintage	2019
Country	New Zealand

This Surplus Cellar stocks CLEARANCE is nothing short of a ‘Red Wine Lovers Miracle’ at $24.99 bottle. GOOGLE Esk Valley website to see why I call it a Miracle opportunity. 2019 was the Debut vintage (what a vintage to Debut, evidenced by the 95-95-96-96/100 ratings) for Esk Valley ‘The Great Dirt Series’ Prestige Wine Range – released to showcase their outstanding Gimblett Gravel’s wine terroir in concert with the winemaking prowess of Hawke’s Bay legend Gordon Russell. No expense was spared on the making of this stunning Bordeaux style red blend! A parcel of fruit harvested off the Ngakirikiri Vineyard, of which most of its grapes go to the ‘$150 Flagship’ Cabernet of the same name. The other fruit parcel off the famous ‘Cornerstone Vineyard’ from which many great Hawke’s Bay reds have emanated. Respectively the wine speaks of the deep, free draining gravel soils of those two elite vineyards that have yielded remarkable parcels of fruit for this dark, brooding Bordeaux style blend that is silky-smooth, plush and rich. Already 6-years aged in Esk Valley Cellars… it will comfortably drink through 2035 if properly stored.

A deeply resonating bouquet of red and black plums and berries, dark chocolate, blackcurrant leaf, cedar, coffee, bramble, fresh tobacco leaves and vanilla toast.

The colour is impenetrable, the impression on the palate is one of generosity and seduction… it won us over in an instant. Plush dark plum and red/black berry fruits flood the taste buds with warm supporting flavours of milk chocolate, toast, vanilla and cedar adding plenty of charm. Fine dusty, chalky tannins hug your cheeks, further warming your senses, giving structure, drive and the promise of age ability. It is hard to resist now, decanting just prior to serving will round out the palate. Otherwise bury it in the back of your cellar as it will be super hard to keep your hands off if you intend to age it longer.