Mills Reef Winery, Gimblett Gravels, Elspeth Trust Vineyard

95
Tasted by: Melanie Brown, Christine Parkinson, Philip Tuck MW
Drinking Window: 2015 - 2030
Mills Reef has a strong Hawke’s Bay focus with the lion’s share of its wine being produced from the Gimblett Gravels sub-region. The flagship Elspeth label is a reliable marker for anyone seeking a top Hawke’s Bay wine. Made from grapes grown in its two most prestigious vineyards, Elspeth Trust (87%) and Mere (13%), this wine is a fine expression of a great vintage and a quality-focused producer. Most New Zealand Syrah makers mature their wines in French oak barriques. Mills Reef uses 20% US oak barrels for extra complexity and accessibility. It’s built to last.   Melanie Brown<br /> Delightfully charismatic purity that runs through this wine. Exceptional acid balance and oak integration, with layers of flavour that evolve on the palate to a long, attractive length.   Christine Parkinson<br /> Piquant black fruit and sweet cola and raspberry flavours with distinct minerality. Serious, dense and long. Poised, elegant and classy.   Philip Tuck MW<br /> Muted spice on the nose and a medium-bodied palate for Gimblett Gravels. This is a more elegant style of New Zealand Syrah that will have great appeal. Impressive length and very sensitively made.
Producer
Mills Reef Winery
Brand
Elspeth Trust Vineyard
Vintage
2013
Colour
Red
Country
New Zealand
Region
Hawke's Bay
Alcohol
13.50%