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2021 Esk Valley Hillside Syrah

Bob Campbell MW

In stock

A great discount on a Syrah that was already serious value at its original price! "Close your eyes and think of Cote Rotie" said Jancis Robinson about the 2019 vintage. Before they closed their doors, Esk Valley were famous for the premium "Terraces" red that they grew on the unique terroir of their north-facing, limestone hillside by the sea. Sourced from the same place — in a great vintage! — the Hillside Syrah captures the cooler-climate elegance and depth for which Esk Valley's top reds are known. A last chance to collect the Hillside. At this price its a must-try!

$64.99 in mixed 6+ or $72.99 per bottle

Overview

Grape

Syrah

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

97/100 Wine Orbit, Sam Kim

"This is immensely seductive on the nose with blackberry, sweet plum, rich floral, game and cedary oak characters, leading to a concentrated palate offering power as well as elegance. Sophisticated and seamlessly expressed with a sustained structured finish. At its best: 2025 to 2039. www.eskvalleywines.com. April 2023." Drink 2025 - 2039

96/100 Bob Campbell MW

"Intense, dense and silken-textured red with blackcurrant, cassis, cacao powder and a hint of oyster shell. Delicious wine that overwhelms the senses, particularly if it is aerated. A great candidate for the cellar. 04 May 2023." Drink 2023 - 2040

95/100 Outstanding Cameron Douglas MS

"Plush, ripe red fruited bouquet with concentration, freshness and power. The variety speaks loud in the bouquet with scents of fresh raspberry flesh black currant and red peppercorn. The sense of place is strong with aromas of clay, dry stones and gravels. Firm, taut, ripe, varietal and dry on the palate. Dusty-edged tannin and back bone acid lines set a strong foundation, the fruit and wood flavours sit nicely alongside and are just beginning to start the integration process. Complex and lengthy, a wine worthy of your attention. Well made, youthful and needing time in cellar. Best drinking from 2025 through 2035+."

Stats & Food Matching

Variety	Syrah
Region	Hawkes Bay
Closure	Cap
Volume	750ml
Alcohol	14.00%
Maturity	2023 - 2040

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.