Mills Reef ‘Reserve’ Syrah 2017 and ‘Elspeth’ Cabernet Merlot 2016

FEATURED WINES IN THIS REVIEW

• Mills Reef ‘Reserve’ Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah 2017
  Syrah from New Zealand - Hawke's Bay

  Review Date : 24-Sep-2018

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Even, dark ruby-red colour with youthful purple hues, a little lighter on the rim. The nose is fresh with intense and penetrating aromas of dark raspberry fruit entwined with dark herbs, white and black pepper, unfolding violet florals and spices. This is in the cooler spectrum. Medium-bodied, the palate is elegant on proportion with a slender, concentrated core of raspberry fruit with blackberry notes melded with white and black pepper, herbs and spices. The fruit is supported by light, fine-grained tannin extraction lending a soft, refined mouthfeel and line. Light, lacy acidity enlivens the mouthfeel and carries the wine to a refreshing finish of florals and spices. This is an elegant Syrah with cooler spectrum raspberry, white pepper, floral and spice flavours on a fresh, fine-textured palate. Match with Middle Eastern fare over the next 3+ years. Fruit from the ‘Mere Road’ vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels, fermented to 12.5% alc., the wine aged 9 months in 56% French and 44% American oak, of which 29% was new. 17.5-/20 Sep 2018 RRP $24.95
• Mills Reef ‘Elspeth’ Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Cabernet/Merlot 2016
  Blended Red from New Zealand - Hawke's Bay

  Review Date : 24-Sep-2018

  ☆☆☆☆☆

  Dark, deep ruby-red colour with a light purple tint, slightly paler on the rim. The nose is taut and tightly bound, a little restrained in expression with harmoniously interwoven aromas of blackcurrants, blackberries and dark plums, along with dark herbs and iron-earth elements. Medium-bodied, the palate has an elegantly concentrated heart with softly packed flavours of blackcurrants, blackberries and redcurrants along with dark herbs and subtle iron-earth notes. The fruit builds in dpth and is supported by fine-grained tannin structure providing grip and linearity, with balanced acidity. The wine carries to a long, fine, sweet-fruited finish. This is an elegant Cabernet/Merlot with fine concentration of blackcurrant, blackberry and redcurrant fruit along with herb and iron-earth detail on a palate with refined grip and linearity. Match with lamb, beef and venison over the next 5-6 years. A blend of 73% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Merlot and 4% Cabernet Franc from the ‘Mere Road’ vineyard, destemmed to retain whole berries and fermented to 12.5% alc., the wine spending 14 days on skins post ferment and aged 17 months in 37% new French oak hogsheads. 18.0+/20 Sep 2018 RRP $49.95