Elephant Hill STONE Merlot 2020, Gimblett Gravels, Hawke's Bay

A bouquet of muscle and power, ripeness and enticement with roasted plums and dark berries, boysenberry and blue fruits. Other aromas come from the scents of smoky wood and cacao, clove and baked vanilla pod, dark plums and violets. There’s a suggestion of black licorice, freshly roasted coffee bean and bitter chocolate. Firm, dry, an abundance of plums and fine tannins, a salty acid line and baked nut quality. Delicious and refreshing, plenty of weight and intensity, a wine that can be enjoyed today, aged and well matched to food anytime. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036+.

95 Points

Outstanding

RRP from $65.00

Ø  100% Stone vineyard (Gimblett Gravels)

Ø  53% Merlot clone 181, 24% Cab Sauvignon clone 10 and 23% Cabernet Franc clone 326

Ø  Handpicked on 24/3, 3/4 – 4/4

Ø  Inoculated & natural primary ferment, natural malo in spring

Ø  24 mths barrel (23% new) plus 4 mths in tank, all on light lees

Ø  300 cs (9l) produced