2021 Esk Valley Artisanal Gimblett Gravels Tempranillo

Brand	Esk Valley Estate
Region	Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay
Varietal	Tempranillo
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	13.5%
Vintage	2021
Country	New Zealand

The Artisanal Collection from Esk is a relatively new addition to their portfolio and luckily for us, they keep adding new varieties to try. This range has struck us for its outstanding quality versus minor price tag, few other brands have the impact this brand does. The whole Fine Wine team jumped for joy when we were given the opportunity to try their latest two wines, a Grenache, and a Tempranillo. Tempranillo is fairly rare in NZ but seems well suited to the stony soils of the Gimblett Gravels. It is an early ripening thick-skinned variety which produces wine of rich colour and abundant tannins.

showcasing dark berry aromas, with a hint of vanilla from the inclusion of a new USA oak barriques, in the style of Rioja.

Flavours of liquorice and black fruits, compliment the rich and full-bodied palate. A wine with substance and power with a juicy, dense core of fruit that is interwoven with robust, chewy tannins, making for a serious mouthful of wine. Superb on every level but would benefit from a year or two in bottle or decant just prior to serving. A rack of lamb or roast of lamb would go a treat with a glass of this Tempranillo. An exciting addition to the Artisanal collection of wines.