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2016 Esk Valley Heipipi The Terraces

Bob Campbell MW

Out of stock

A great discount on a towering legend of New Zealand wine. This is your last chance as Esk Valley are sadly no longer in business. Once called The Terraces, this field blend from New Zealand's most famous vineyard hillside was renamed "Heipipi" after the Maori Pa at the top. This is a Bordeaux-like blend of Malbec, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc from old vines on a steep limestone terraces. A sun-facing aspect and warm but long-ripening, sea-side microclimate gives the fruit a balance and finesse that is almost unmatched. Thanks to careful viticultural technique, all three varieties are harvested on the same day and fermented as a field blend, followed by 18 months in new oak to polish it for a delayed release. From a great year — with nearly ten more in bottle — your last chance on this vintage of Heipipi is a fantastic deal at this discount. Collect!

$115.00 in mixed 6+ or $128.00 per bottle

Overview

Grape

Usually Malbec led with good percentages of Merlot and Cabernet Franc

Its Origins

The original facilities were erected in 1933, called Glenvale, and after decades of fortified wine production it wasn’t until the late 1970s - still very early in the New Zealand premium table wine market - that Glenvale created the Esk Valley label to meet that demand. Price wars in the 1980’s saw Glenvale perish and the Esk Valley label picked up by George Fistonich of Villa Maria. Although it has been able to operate as a separate winery and develop its increasingly historic and iconic position, the investment and backing of the Villa Maria group has ensured it access not only to the best personnel and technology, but the best markets. Today, Esk Valley is a benchmark of elegant, quality-focussed Hawkes Bay production and its ‘Terraces’ Bordeaux Blend is a towering classic of New Zealand red wine.

What The Critics Say

96/100 Bob Campbell MW

"A blend of malbec, merlot and cabernet franc. Dense, rich wine with obvious malbec influence adding weight and mouthfeel to the wine. Nicely layered with dark fruits, pepper, spice , woodsmoke, leather and cigar box flavours. A big and youthful wine that promises to age well in the bottle 05 Nov 2018." Drink 2018 - 2028

95/100 James Suckling

"Every bit as impressive and slick as the 2015, this has a beautifully seductive, dark-fruited nose with attractive earthy and spicy complexity. There’s a succulent, elegantly powerful and seamlessly delivered array of ripe plums, mulberries and blueberries on the palate. A malbec, merlot and cabernet franc. Good aging potential. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

94+/100 Farr Vintners

"A ripe, inviting nose of blackberries and blackcurrants is layered with rich dark chocolate, spice and accents of smoke. The palate is plush and powerful with oodles of ripe black fruits that coats the mouth. Savoury notes from the oak balance the sweet fruit and the fine, precise tannins ensure restraint and structure. What really stands out is the acidity which keeps everything in check, bringing impeccable balance and freshness. This has the coolness that you would find in a fine Bordeaux with the added warmth and ripeness that would expect in a New World wine. It gets better and more complex with each sip – bottle age would only improve it further. I would love to taste this alongside some 2016 Bordeaux in years to come. Impressive."

Stats & Food Matching

Variety	Merlot
Region	Hawkes Bay
Closure	Cap
Volume	750ml
Alcohol	14.00%
Maturity	2018 - 2030

This Wine Goes Well With

Taste

Delivery & Returns

We deliver throughout New Zealand and to some locations overseas. Our deliveries are made by trusted third party carriers. For further details on prices and delivery options please go to DELIVERY INFORMATION section of our site.

If for any reason you are not entirely happy with your order or you suspect that they may be affected by a quality issue, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will remedy the problem straight away. Contact us on 0800 422 767.