Elephant Hill Merlot 2019

Elephant Hill Merlot is a polished Hawke's Bay red built around 89% Merlot, with Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc adding extra depth and shape. Ripe plum, cassis and dark berry lead the way, joined by cedar, baking spice and a gently savoury edge as the wine develops. Fruit from Elephant Hill's Bridge Pa Triangle and Gimblett Gravels vineyards brings a useful contrast between fleshy richness and firmer structure, while fine tannins keep everything composed. It is drinking beautifully now but still has room to evolve, making it a smart match for beef Wellington, braised brisket or a slow-cooked lamb dinner.

What the winery says:

The 2019 is a blend of 89% Merlot, 7% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Cabernet Franc, handpicked from Elephant Hill's inland vineyards in the Bridge Pa Triangle and Gimblett Gravels. The Bridge Pa Triangle fruit contributes softness and flesh, while the Gimblett Gravels component brings concentration and structure. The wine was matured for 15 months, with 20% in new French oak and the balance in older seasoned barrels and tank. The resulting style combines rich Black Doris plum and cassis fruit with balanced acidity, fine-grained tannins and integrated oak spice.

What the experts say:

Cameron Douglas MS, 93/100, Excellent (2019 Vintage)
“An excellent bouquet of variety and ripeness, earthy qualities and enticement. On the palate flavours of red and purple plums, dark cherry and iron sand. Additional ideas of dark roses and stone, baked plum and wood spices follow. An abundance of polished tannins deliver texture and breadth, acidity sets the structure in place and core fruits deliver power and intensity. A lovely wine ready to drink from 2024 through 2030.”

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit, 93/100, 5 Stars (2019 Vintage)
“Beautifully maturing with complexity and harmony, the wine shows dark berry, dried herb, toasted nut and mixed spice aromas on the nose. The palate delivers succulent fruit intensity with supple texture and delightfully infused tannins, finishing persistent and refined. At its best: now to 2030.”

Candice Chow, Raymond Chan Wine Reviews, 18.5+/20 (94), 5 Stars (2019 Vintage)
“Deep ruby-red, slightly lighter on the rim. It has an attractive, elegant bouquet with plum, red berry, cassis, cedar, vanilla, and clove aromas. Full-bodied, aromas of plum, red berry and cassis are bright and succulent, layering with cedar, vanilla and clove. The lush fruit is the star, accompanied by elegant tannin extraction and oak spices, lending a dry, moreish finish.”

Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review, 92/100 (2019 Vintage)
“Inky, concentrated merlot with plum, dark berry, dark chocolate/mocha, liquorice, vanilla and spicy oak flavours supported by sweet, ripe tannins. Accessible now but will certainly benefit from bottle age.”