Esk Valley

Gimblett Gravels Merlot Blend

8.761 ratings
8.612 pro ratings
Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand
Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec
Pork, Squash & Root Vegetables, Chili & Hot Spicy, White Fish, Fruit Desserts, Meaty & Oily Fish, Duck, Goat & Feta Cheese, Blue Cheese
Top Notes For
Sue Mohle

I actually didn’t know what to expect because it had been opened for a couple days. But it was very smooth and had a nice fruity but not sweet finish

I actually didn’t know what to expect because it had been opened for a couple days. But it was very smooth and had a nice fruity but not sweet finish

Jul 10th, 2022
Arnaud Bonnard

It is of an intense deep purple. It displays aromas of plum, flowers, hibiscus with some minerals. Full bodied it is filled with spices, plum, dark berries, hibiscus leaves and some flowers. Nice tannins and medium finish, it is a bit dry. I had it for below $15 so for this price it is definitely one you must try! Cheers

It is of an intense deep purple. It displays aromas of plum, flowers, hibiscus with some minerals. Full bodied it is filled with spices, plum, dark berries, hibiscus leaves and some flowers. Nice tannins and medium finish, it is a bit dry. I had it for below $15 so for this price it is definitely one you must try! Cheers

1 person found it helpfulJul 3rd, 2015
Christanna Honer

Pretty dull and boringly fruity when first opened, but a slight chill on the bottle and some food got it going. Had it with a pizza, and it grew on me. Lots of red fruit and a little dust, albeit slightly one dimensional.

Pretty dull and boringly fruity when first opened, but a slight chill on the bottle and some food got it going. Had it with a pizza, and it grew on me. Lots of red fruit and a little dust, albeit slightly one dimensional.

1 person found it helpfulOct 5th, 2014
Sean Wallner - WSET II

Blackberries, blueberries, vanilla and game/meat roasting over a campfire. This was an off-dry/medium-sweet red with high tannins and very flavorful. The palate also presented some bell pepper, cherry, raspberry and spice. Needs some more time but very tasty.

Blackberries, blueberries, vanilla and game/meat roasting over a campfire. This was an off-dry/medium-sweet red with high tannins and very flavorful. The palate also presented some bell pepper, cherry, raspberry and spice. Needs some more time but very tasty.

Mar 15th, 2017
TheElder Pinot

Budget Bordeaux style. Nice fruit tannins and complexity. Would do well with some bottle age.

Budget Bordeaux style. Nice fruit tannins and complexity. Would do well with some bottle age.

Nov 4th, 2014
Brett Jones

Ruby, juicy meaty red full of black fruits, walnuts and spice

Ruby, juicy meaty red full of black fruits, walnuts and spice

Jul 27th, 2014
Nishith Jobanputra

Winestone. Opened up after 24 hours.

Winestone. Opened up after 24 hours.

Jun 22nd, 2021
Keith Crump

Lots of bright fruit and chocolate but no length

Lots of bright fruit and chocolate but no length

Mar 24th, 2019
Keith Crump

Cheerful summer wine refresher on a hot autumn afternoon ok acidity light merlot fruit

Cheerful summer wine refresher on a hot autumn afternoon ok acidity light merlot fruit

Mar 23rd, 2019
Michael Daubs

Fantastic, full bodied wine (and excellent with a bit of dark chocolate, which really brings out the plum).

Fantastic, full bodied wine (and excellent with a bit of dark chocolate, which really brings out the plum).

Jul 21st, 2018