Named after Paddy Preston’s mother, this a a
selection of the finest barrels and a blend of all five varietals grown in the Mere Road
vineyard. The Mills Reef ‘Elspeth One’ 2005 (18.5+/20) is a blend of 30.8% Syrah
and 17.3% each of CS, CF, Me and Ma.
Dark hearted in colour, this had a restrained nose with underlying
richness and voluptuousness. Tightly
bound dark plums and berries with a spice and lifted element, the wine was
framed within a full and solid structure.
A wine of nuance and interest that will unfold its qualities with time. RC Nov 08
Varieties: Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot
Area: Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay
Winemaker: Tim Preston & Paddy Preston
Alcohol: 14%
Awards: SILVER - International Wine Challenge - London 2008
The
name 'Elspeth One' signifies the triumphant union of five classic
varieties into one truly outstanding experience. It's single-vineyard
(Mere Road) designation encapsulates the majestic essence of the
Gimblett Gravels and innovative winemaking.
The grapes were
handpicked to ensure optimal fruit selection and gentle handling,
between 9 April and 5 May 2005, at an average of 24.6 brix.
Upon
arrival at the winery they were destemmed, cold macerated for 8 days
(for enhanced colour and flavour extraction) prior to ferment. Each
fruit parcel was vinified separately, using predominantly indigenous
yeast in integrale barrels and innoculated parcels in open top
fermenters.
Post-ferment the wine was again cold macerated for 15
days to enhance tannin structure and then each parcel individually aged
for 18 months in quality french oak barriques, with 3 aerating rackings
throughout. The final blend was thereafter carefully composed and
bottled under cork on the 2nd of November 2006.
Powerful, yet
refined, this Hawkes Bay red is a star studded five-varietal blend of
Syrah (30.8%) and equal portions (17.3% each) of Cabernet Sauvignon,
Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Merlot (481 clone) each playing a crucial
role in this blend's exceptional complexity and richness.
Deep
ruby red in colour, the nose is adorned with white pepper, spice,
blackcurrant, liquorice, cedar and hints of mint, with appetizing aged
characters of leather, cigar box, and fruit cake. The palate is
weighty, rich, intense and velvety, giving it generous complexity with
round luscious brambly fruit, black olives, plum, toffee and chocolate,
on supple ripe tannins. The finish is equally intense and lingering.
Very satisfying, it is drinking beautifully now but will also continue
to reward with cellaring. This is an opulent wine - a meal in itself!
Source: millsreef.co.nz