Wine columnist Dennis Knill gives his views on Esk Valley’s new Artisanal Wine Collection.
The massive earthquake that devastated Napier in 1931 forever altered the course of the Esk River – which had once served as a vital source of shellfish for local Māori – resulting in perfect conditions for viticulture. Enter Robert Bird, founder of Glenvale Vineyards (now Esk Valley Estate) and the visionary who identified the potential of growing grapes in the area, becoming one of the first to plants vines, in 1933. And the concrete fermentation vats that he constructed all those years ago are still being used today.
One of Hawke’s Bay’s most renowned cellar doors, the winery, with its wonderful sea vistas overlooking the ocean and stunning hillside vine views, continues to produce some of the country’s best wines.
And its success is all down to Gordon Russell’s winemaking skills. Since 1986, Gordon has steered his team to produce some truly great wines, such as the Artisanal Collection, which have gone on to win prestigious awards. This new release of classic Hawke’s Bay wines includes barrel-fermented chardonnay, a unique malbec dominant blended red wine, and a cluster-fermented syrah that form the backbone of the collection, with chenin blanc and gamay noir adding the final touch.
This rich collection of Hawke’s Bay terra-firma has plenty to offer for wine lovers and sets a new benchmark for quality wines at an affordable price in an intensely competitive market.
’20 Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Chardonnay
Delicately rich and full-flavoured, this easy-to-drink upfront wine oozes with fresh citrus and subtle oak spicy overtones that are finely balanced on the nose. Food-friendly wine at its very best.
RRP $20
’19 Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Syrah
Pure, fruity, and well-structured with a warm aftertaste that showcases Hawke’s Bay. Ripe and soft on the palate with generous flavours that are fresh and clean on the nose. Perfect for summer barbecues.
RRP $20
’19 Esk Valley Artisanal Collection Malbec, Merlot, Cabarnet Sauvignon
Full-bodied, three-grape deep red blend with malbec representing the lion’s share, full of concentrated fruit gripped with density and good tannins. At its best when served with meat dishes.
RRP $20
Words—Dennis Knill
