Description

MAYBE THE BEST RED VALUE OF THE YEAR!

The GIMBLETT GRAVELS WINE GROWING DISTRICT, covering just 800ha, is strictly determined by the gravelly soils laid down by the old Ngaruroro River, which were exposed after a huge flood in the 1860’s.

In 2001, wine producers and winegrowers with land in this special area of Hawke’s Bay, formed the GIMBLETT GRAVELS Winegrowers Association in order to, collectively, promote wines from this unique and distinctive wine growing region of the world.

The GIMBLETT GRAVELS brand combines the French concept of terroir with modern day thinking to define, protect and market wine. In what is believed to be a first for winegrowers in the New World – wine growing countries outside Europe – GIMBLETT GRAVELS wines are based on the ultimate designation of their district according to a tightly specified soil type.

In 2018 we visited the area for about a week to explore the wineries.  Syrah does extremely well here, but the alluvial-gravel soils, similar to those in Bordeaux, provide the perfect drainage and growing conditions for Cabernet Sauvignon and the other Bordeaux varieties. 

“Perfumed and pretty with currants and black berries as well as hints of cedar. Medium-bodied with fine chewy tannins and a fresh and beautiful finish. A blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot. Give it three or four years to come together but already pretty.” – 93 points, James Suckling

“Layers of savory, earthy and tangy fruit aromas mingle, from beets to cherries and raspberries to tobacco and ground pepper. Heady aromas flow to a full-figured palate that’s sculpted with chalky, muscular tannins, the fruit and spice peeking through. A powerful wine, this has plenty more life left in it. If drinking now, break out the protein.” – 92 points, Wine Enthusiast

“The 2021 Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels Vineyard is structurally firm and yet populated by a flow of silky red fruit. In the mouth, the acidity and tannins are so finely intertwined that it is hard to feel where one stops and the other begins.” – 92 points, Wine Advocate

“Malty and herbal accents complement the core of dark bramble and wild berry flavors, with a juicy edge and velvety tannins. Cedar, tobacco and spice accents linger on the long finish. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now. 500 cases imported.” – 91 points, Wine Spectator