What's New
31 August
Romeo Bragato - best Trophy haul ever!
6 Gimblett Gravels red wines landed 4 trophies and 6 gold medals at the 2010 Romeo Bragato Wine Awards announced last weekend; the most successful haul from these awards in Gimblett Gravels' short history.
Leading the charge was Vidal Wines Reserve Syrah 2007, securing 3 trophies, comprising Reserve Champion Wine of Show, Champion Syrah and Champion Sustainability Wine. Mills Reef's Elspeth Trust Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 won the Champion Cabernet Sauvignon trophy.
The Romeo Bragato Awards are unique in that they acknowledge the success of the growers/vineyard managers. The Gimblett Gravels results are detailed below with the full results available at www.wineshow.co.nz
Trophies
Vidal Reserve Syrah 2007 ( Phil Holden, Omahu Vineyard) - Reserve Champion Wine, Champion Syrah, Champion Sustainability Wine;
Mills Reef Elspeth Trust Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Paul McEvoy, Trust Vineyard) - Champion Cabernet Sauvignon
Gold Medals
Mills Reef Elspeth Trust Vineyard Syrah 2007 (Paul McEvoy, Trust Vineyard)
Vidal Reserve Syrah 2007 ( Phil Holden, Omahu Vineyard)
Vidal Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2008
Mills Reef Elspeth Trust Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007 (Paul McEvoy, Trust Vineyard)
Villa Maria Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2007- Phil Holden
21 August
"....the bold and confident approach".
In an article published today in the Southland Times, veteran New Zealand wine writer, Warren Barton, has cited the Gimblett Gravels (Winegrowers Association) as one of New Zealand's most "successful" marketing alliances, acknowledging "....the bold and confident approach" taken to promote "... the best reds off the Gravels up against some of the finest in the world".
To read the full article, click on the following link:
http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/life-style/wine/4045698/Getting-the-message-across
6 August
World's press pay Homage to Gimblett Gravels wine
More rave reviews have emerged from around regarding the Trinity Hill Homage Syrah 2007. Awarded 19.5 points out of 20, it features on the September 2010 cover of Decanter Magazine - the second time in its short history for this top Gimblett Gravels Syrah.
For further information, read Trinity Hill's press release here
7 July
Gimblett Gravels first ever tasting in Bordeaux
Gimblett Gravels wines from 2005, 2007 and 2009 vintages have recently been shown, to great interest and acclaim, to winemakers and wine critics in the heart of Bordeaux.
Led by Craggy Range Director, and Master of Wine, Steve Smith, wines from Craggy Range, Trinity Hill, Sacred Hill, Villa Maria and Church Road were tasted.
For further information, click here
2 July
IWC Trophy for John Forrest Collection Syrah 2006
Following our May 21st report, the 2006 vintage John Forrest Collection Syrah, from the Newton Forrest Gimblett Gravels vineyard, has not only won a gold medal but also secured the Gimblett Gravels Syrah Trophy at the 2010 International Wine Challenge.
In further news, this wine is one of 6 Gimblett Gravels wines chosen out of 10 New Zealand Syrahs recommended by Tim Atkin MW in the next issue of Decanter Magazine.
The wines are (in alphabetical order):
Babich Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2007;
Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah 2007;
John Forrest Collection Syrah 2006;
Trinity Hill Syrah 2007;
Vidal Syrah 2008;
Villa Maria Cellar Selection Syrah 2007.
23 June
Warren Gibson appointed Executive Winemaker at Trinity Hill
Following the announcement of the governments $1.2 million funding over two years for a wine export push into the United States, John Hancock, the founder and president of Trinity Hill Wines in Hawke’s Bay is taking a step sideways into the world of sales, marketing and export strategy whilst handing the executive winemaker reins to long-serving senior winemaker Warren (Wazza) Gibson.
For further detail, click here
18 June
2010 Harvest Summary
There is no doubt that 2010 will produce some of the most interesting wines yet from the Gimblett Gravels.
For more detail, click here
8 June
Two Gates' first releases make an impact
Two Gates Vineyard, a boutique organic producer, has already received high acclaim for its first commercial releases, a pair of certified organic red wines from the 2007 vintage.
Bob Campbell MW, Michael Cooper and John Hawkesby have all favourably reviewed the Two Gates Syrah and Two Gates Omahu (Merlot/Cabernets blend) - click here for further information.
6 June
Assemblage Syrah raises NZ$4150 for charity
As reported in May, for the fourth consecutive year, members of the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowers Association generously donated individual Syrah wines to create a unique Assemblage.
The wine was specially created for the 2010 Midlands Mortgage Trust Hawke’s Bay Charity Wine Auction, with the proceeds going in aid of Cranford Hospice.
From the stellar 2009 vintage, each member’s Syrah component was carefully blended by winemaker Gordon Russell and bottled into both standard and magnum formats.
With an audience in generous mood, bidding was frenetic; the lot being secured for NZ$4150. The total amount raised from the night exceeded $110,000, with individual wines from Gimblett Gravels members contributing almost a quarter of that total.
Special thanks go to the Members who generously contributed to the wine, namely :
Beach House Wines, Craggy Range Winery, Crossroads Winery, Matariki Wines, Mills Reef Winery, Mission Estate, Newton Forrest Estate, Sacred Hill Wines, Squawking Magpie Wines, Te Awa Winery, Trinity Hill Wines, Unison Vineyard, Villa Maria Group.
4 June
Gimblett Gravels members at heart of USA initiative
Member wineries, Craggy Range, Trinity Hill and Villa Maria are part of a 21 winery group selected to become ambassadors for a New Zealand Super Premium wine push into the USA.
The group, chaired by Craggy Range's Steve Smith MW, and sponsored by NZ Winegrowers and Trade & Enterprise, aims to convince the US market that New Zealand wines deserve to be considered among the world's finest.
For further information, click here
1 June
Gimblett Gravels at Hot Red Expo
Red wines from 8 Gimblett Gravels members will feature in the 2010 Hot Red Hawke's Bay Wine Expo this month.
This annual event showcases red wines from Hawke's Bay and will visit Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch between 15-17th June.
Gimblett Gravels members attending are:
Babich
Church Road (Pernod Ricard)
Crossroads
Matariki Wines
Mission Estate Winery
Te Awa
Trinity Hill
Villa Maria Group (including Esk Valley and Vidal)
The event is open to trade and, limited, public entry. Tickets are available from Ticketek.
For further information, visit www.winehawkesbay.co.nz
25 May
Unique Assemblage for Charity Auction
For the fourth consecutive year, members of the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowers Association have generously donated individual Syrah wines to create a unique Assemblage.
This wine has been specially created for the 2010 Midlands Mortgage Trust Hawke’s Bay Charity Wine Auction, with the proceeds going in aid of Cranford Hospice, to be held Saturday 5 June.
From the stellar 2009 vintage, each member’s Syrah component has been carefully blended by winemaker Gordon Russell. The assemblage has been bottled into both standard and magnum formats. The bottles have been hand filled and sealed with high quality cork covered by a traditional wax finish.
Gimblett Gravels Syrah wines have already achieved substantial domestic and international acclaim, both from leading wine critics and in competition and this assemblage is a unique offering of exceptional wine.
Members contributing to this wine comprise: Beach House Wines, Craggy Range Winery, Crossroads Winery, Matariki Wines, Mills Reef Winery, Mission Estate, Newton Forrest Estate, Sacred Hill Wines, Squawking Magpie Wines, Te Awa Winery, Trinity Hill Wines, Unison Vineyard, Villa Maria Group.
Individual members are also submitting other Gimblett Gravels wines as separate lots.
For online bidding and further information on the wines on offer, visit www.charitywineauction.co.nz
25 May
Gold medals - Liquorland International Wine Competition - 2010
4 Gimblett Gravels red wines secured Gold Medals at the above show, formerly known as the Liquorland Top 100 competition.
The award winning wines were as follows:
Merlot Class
Te Awa Left Field Merlot 2007
Shiraz/Syrah Class
Esk Valley Winemakers Reserve Syrah 2007
Squawking Magpie The Stoned Crow Syrah 2008
Vidal Wines Reserve Syrah 2006
Trophy results are to be anounced in June.
For further information, visit www.wineshow.co.nz
21 May
IWC Gold for John Forrest Collection Syrah
The 2006 vintage John Forrest Collection Syrah, from the Newton Forrest Gimblett Gravels vineyard, has just secured the auspicious accolade of a Gold Medal at the 2010 International Wine Challenge.
This result reinforces the Gold Medal won in the 2009 Tri-Nations Wine Challenge, together with the rave reviews from leading wine critics such as Huon Hooke and Bob Campbell MW:
"From Hawkes Bay's famous Gimblett Gravels, this is a cool-climate shiraz with lots of black pepper and spice aromas. Medium-bodied, soft and finely balanced, it has smooth, gentle tannins. Good now but should keep for 10 years. 93/100". Tasting was by Huon Hooke
“Dense yet elegant syrah with a range of flavours from floral to dark berry and from chocolate to black olive, plus a seasoning of cracked black pepper. Fruit is supported by firm yet sweet, ripe fruit tannins and classy oak that, while clearly evident, allows varietal flavours to occupy centre stage. Quite youthful wine that shows plenty of cellaring potential. Made from grapes grown in the Gimblett Gravels area of Hawkes Bay”. Gourmet Traveller NZ Syrah Tasting, June 2009 – 97 Points, 5 Stars.
“Dense yet elegant Syrah with a range of flavours from floral to dark berry and from chocolate to black olive plus a seasoning of cracked black pepper. Fruit is supported by firm yet sweet, ripe fruit tannins and classy oak that, while clearly evident, allows varietal flavours to occupy centre-stage. Quite youthful wine that shows plenty of cellaring potential. Made from grapes grown in the Gimblett Gravels area of Hawke's Bay.” Bob Campbell, April 2009 95 Points, 5 Stars
20 May
Leading Australian wine writer lauds Gimblett Gravels Syrahs
In his Sydney Morning Herald article on May 18th, leading wine commentator, Huon Hooke, raved about Hawke's Bay Syrahs, specifically referring to the Gimblett Gravels as .."a great terroir for red grapes".
Tasting a pre-selected lineup, Huon rated the following 5 Gimblett Gravels Syrahs as gold medal or trophy standard:
Craggy Range Le Sol 2007 - "searing intensity, ironstone and minerals again, taut and needing time but tremendously deep and focused"
Mission Estate Reserve 2007 - "delicious floral/violetsfruit, silken texture, fine tannins, great balance, line and length"
Esk Valley 2007 - "coffee grounds, big and inky, very concentrated, strong tannin structure but a core of impressively rich fruit"
Trinity Hill Homage 2007 - "dense colour, impressive concentration, black fruits and spices, density, weight and power"
Vidal Reserve 2007 - "expressive floral, spicy and black-fruit aromas, beautiful texture and smoothly elegant concentrated flavour"
Villa Maria Reserve 2006 - "a significantly oakier style, sweetly ripe andweighty with deluxe succulence and palate harmony"
20 May
Villa Maria Gold at Decanter World Wine Awards
The results of the 2010 Decanter World Wine Awards have just been announced, with Villa Maria's Reserve Merlot 2008 - from the Gimblett Gravels - securing a prized Gold award.
For further results, visit www.decanter.com
23 April
Gimblett Gravels Syrah for Hollywood Icon
Steven Spielberg has discovered Gimblett Gravels Syrah, specifically Trinity Hill's Homage Syrah.
Click here here for more detail.
13 April
2009 'Assemblage' Syrah for Charity Wine Auction
Gimblett Gravels Winegrowers Association are proud to confirm their continued support to the
Midland's Hawke's Bay Charity Wine Auction, benefiting Cranford Hospice, held on Saturday 5th June 2010.
For the fourth consecutive year, Gimblett Gravels members are collaborating to create a wine unique to this event, namely an 'assemblage' of Syrah from each of the donating members' vineyards.
This year, the assemblage will comprise wine from the stellar 2009 vintage. Carefully crafted by Esk Valley winemaker, Gordon Russell, it will be bottled into standard 750ml and Magnum formats.
The auction lot will comprise 12 bottles of each format.
For further information on the auction visit http://www.charitywineauction.co.nz/
13 April 2009
Harvest Update
Blessed with fine, settled and dry weather for the last couple of weeks, Gimblett Gravels members have been able to harvest in a steady and controlled manner.
Most of the white varieties are now picked with some earlier ripening Merlot and Cabernet Franc leading the way for the reds.
Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon continue to benefit from the fine weather with harvesting likely to take place over the next few days.
23 March 2010
Harvest 2010 underway.
The first Gimblett Gravels grapes are finally being harvested after a season delayed by a slightly cooler than usual summer.
White varieties such as Pinot Gris and Chardonnay are leading the way and early indications are that the fruit is clean with good sugar levels. Although slightly lower yields are evident, this is resulting in concentrated and intense flavours.
At this stage, the first reds are likely to be picked in April, shortly after Easter.
23 March 2010
Wine Spectator rates 2 Gimblett Gravels Syrahs 93 points.
2 Syrahs from the stellar 2007 vintage have just received some of the highest ever ratings for New Zealand red wines from Wine Spectator magazine.
93 points were awarded to each of Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah 2007 and Te Awa Syrah 2007.
In addition, Merlot predominant blend Craggy Range Sophia 2007 received a 90 point rating, reinforcing its ranking given by Wine Spectator's Harvey Steiman and other tasters at a San Francisco tasting in October 2009 (click here for further information).
23 March 2010
Trophy Hat-trick at Royal Easter Show
Gimblett Gravels wines continue to dominate the fuller bodied reds categories with 3 trophies awarded in the following categories:
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Predominant Class
Villa Maria Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2008
Merlot Class
Church Road Cuvee Merlot 2007
Syrah Class
Trinity Hill Homage Syrah 2007
23 March 2010
Sydney International Top 100 2010
5 Gimblett Gravels wines have achieved the distinction of a Blue Gold medal with 4 of the wines also ranked in the Top 100 wines of show.
Winners were:
Mills Reef Elspeth Syrah 2007 - Blue Gold & Top 100
Trinity Hill Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2007 - Blue Gold & Top 100
Trinity Hill Tempranillo 2008 - Blue Gold & Top 100
Wild Rock Angels Dust Reserve Syrah 2007 - Blue Gold & Top 100
Trinity Hill Montepulciano 2009 - Blue Gold
The following wines were Highly Commended:
Villa Maria Reserve Merlot 2007
Trinity Hill Noble Viognier 2008
03 March 2010
Royal Easter Show 2010 – Gold Medal Winners
Gimblett Gravels wines have won 12 Gold Medals at the 2010 Royal Easter Show Wine Awards.
Considering only 102 Gold medals were awarded, this haul represents over 10%, from an area representing less than 3% of national plantings.
Gold Medals were awarded to:
Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot Predominant Class
Mills Reef Elspeth Trust Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2007
Te Awa Cabernet Merlot 2007
Trinity Hill The Gimblett 2007
Villa Maria Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2008
Merlot Class
Church Road Cuve Merlot 2007
Te Awa Left Field Merlot 2007
Villa Maria Reserve Merlot 2007
Syrah Class
Esk Valley Winemakers Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2007
Trinity Hill Homage Syrah 2007
Vidal Reserve Syrah 2006
Villa Maria Cellar Selection Syrah 2008
Chardonnay Class
Squawking Magpie Gimblett Gravels Chardonnay 2007
For a full list of show results, visit www.wineshow.co.nz
25 February 2010
Gimblett Gravels in Matthew Jukes' 60 Best New Zealand Wines
4 GG wines feature in the 60 Best New Zealand Wines for 2010 listed by leading UK wine commentator, Matthew Jukes.
The 4 wines are:
Craggy Range Les Beaux Cailloux Chardonnay 2007;
Craggy Range Le Sol Syrah 2007;
Esk Valley Merlot Cabernet 2007;
John Forrest Collection Syrah 2006.
For a full list of wines, visit Matthew's website www.matthewjukes.com
News Archive and Wine Show Results
For older news stories please refer to the News Archive section.
For historic Wine Show Results, please refer to the Accolades section.