A blend of red grape varietals – approximately 45% Malbec, 35% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc. It was also the first vintage to have a predominance of Malbec. The top wine from this iconic Hawke’s bay producer – and in one of New Zealand’s great wine vintages. Sealed under cork. Probably at peak drinking now, although the colour shows little age, still a bright, deep garnet red. The perfume has boysenberry, plum, cherry fruit, with liquorice, vanilla, sage, white pepper and cinnamon. Excellent depth and concentration, with fine, subtle tannin contrasting well with a juicy acidity. Both oak and savoury notes fill the mid-palate, with salami, tapenade and roasted beet, then a spicy toast from the barrel. The finish is well-balanced and has reasonable length. Looking good for its age. 94pts
Esk Valley ‘The Terraces’ 1998
