Mills Reef Winery, Gimblett Gravels, Elspeth Trust Vineyard

Mills Reef has a strong Hawke’s Bay focus with the lion’s share of its wine being produced from the Gimblett Gravels sub-region. The flagship Elspeth label is a reliable marker for anyone seeking a top Hawke’s Bay wine. Made from grapes grown in its two most prestigious vineyards, Elspeth Trust (87%) and Mere (13%), this wine is a fine expression of a great vintage and a quality-focused producer. Most New Zealand Syrah makers mature their wines in French oak barriques. Mills Reef uses 20% US oak barrels for extra complexity and accessibility. It’s built to last.   Melanie Brown<br /> Delightfully charismatic purity that runs through this wine. Exceptional acid balance and oak integration, with layers of flavour that evolve on the palate to a long, attractive length.   Christine Parkinson<br /> Piquant black fruit and sweet cola and raspberry flavours with distinct minerality. Serious, dense and long. Poised, elegant and classy.   Philip Tuck MW<br /> Muted spice on the nose and a medium-bodied palate for Gimblett Gravels. This is a more elegant style of New Zealand Syrah that will have great appeal. Impressive length and very sensitively made.