The Gimblett Gravels is a notable sub-region within New Zealand’s Hawke’s Bay, renowned for its ideal conditions for producing Bordeaux-style red blends and Syrah due to its free-draining gravel soils and favorable climate. Recently, the 16th release of the annual Gimblett Gravels selection was announced, curated by Andrew Caillard. This year, only six bottles were chosen instead of the usual twelve, reflecting the challenges faced during the 2023 vintage.
The vintage presented a difficult climate, characterized by warm and wet El Niño conditions that affected flowering and canopy development, followed by significant rainfall due to Cyclone Gabrielle and subsequent flooding. Fortunately, the region’s well-draining soils allowed the later-ripening varietals to recover and flourish before harvest.
Here are notable wines from the 2023 Gimblett Gravels selection:
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Church Road Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc: A complex blend of 49% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Merlot, and 7% Cabernet Franc, this wine displays focused, smoky blackcurrant aromas with a dense, concentrated palate and a score of 93/100.
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Čuvar Guardians Cabernet Merlot Malbec: Comprising 65% Cabernet Sauvignon and notable for its sweet blackcurrant notes and plush, balanced character, it also scored 93/100.
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Mission Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon: With a touch of cedar and distinct blackcurrant flavors, this wine was rated 91/100 for its complexity and balance.
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Squawking Magpie The Chatterer Merlot Malbec: This fresh and grippy wine presents lovely blackcurrant and blackberry fruit, earning a score of 92/100.
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Elephant Hill Stone Syrah: Featuring 96% Syrah, this wine impresses with its juicy flavors and harmony, receiving a score of 94/100.
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Stonecroft Reserve Syrah: Noted for its bright focus and impressive drinkability, it also scored 94/100.
The selections from the 2022 and 2021 vintages have been noted as well, showcasing wines that, while perhaps lacking the heights of previous top years, still offered commendable character and quality.
Discover more about the wines from the Gimblett Gravels selection at: wine-searcher.com.
For insights into previous vintages, explore: Gimblett Gravels 2018 Selection and Gimblett Gravels 2017 Selection.