Mills Reef Elspeth Gimblett Gravels Merlot 2020

Mills Reef Elspeth Gimblett Gravels Merlot is a beautifully rich and concentrated Merlot from Hawke's Bay's renowned Gimblett Gravels, brimming with ripe blackcurrant, Black Doris plum and dark cherry, alongside inviting notes of vanilla, cinnamon and smoky French oak. The palate is generous and velvety, with layers of dark berries, chocolate and warming spice complemented by subtle earthy complexity. Firm yet polished tannins and fresh acidity bring excellent structure, leading to a long, satisfying mocha finish. Crafted from a single vineyard and matured for 20 months in French oak, this is a powerful, traditionally styled Merlot with impressive depth and plenty of cellaring potential. A fantastic match for grilled fillet steak, slow-cooked beef, venison or rich mushroom dishes.

What the winery says:

Sourced from low-yielding vines at the Mere Road Vineyard in Hawke's Bay's prestigious Gimblett Gravels, the grapes were harvested on 2 April 2020 following excellent ripening conditions. The fruit was gently crushed, retaining some whole berries, before undergoing a three-day cold soak and fermentation in open-top vessels with regular cap management. Extended skin contact helped develop structure and fine tannins before the wine was pressed and matured for 20 months in 300-litre French oak hogsheads, including 34% new oak. Bottled in September 2022, the finished wine offers concentrated blackcurrant and plum flavours, silky tannins and a lingering mocha finish.

What the experts say:

Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review, 95/100 (2020)
"Deep ruby with a purple hue. Ripe black plum and dark cherry fruit is swaddled in creamy, vanilla oak and cinnamon spice on this plush and concentrated merlot. The moderately firm tannins are chocolaty with persistent grip and despite suggestions of some earthy, dried herb and coffee-ish tertiary notes starting to appear, the fruit is still largely primary and compact right to the drying, woody finish. This will continue its slow evolution in bottle for the next decade as it gains more complexity and roundness."

Cameron Douglas MS, 93/100 (2020)
“An excellent bouquet and palate still. Aromas and flavours of black currant and dark berries, baking spices of clove and five spice then smoky barrel and stony dry earth ideas. As the wine touches the palate there’s a soft rounded smooth mouthfeel then almost instantly the tannins and acidity deliver their messages. A wine that is beginning to develop more complexities and personality as the elements integrate and harmonise. Well made, lengthy and delicious. Best alongside food - perhaps cheese. Best drinking from day of purchase through 2032+.”