Esk Valley

The Terraces 2009

The famous ‘The Terraces’ Vineyard is perched on the steep, North West facing slopes of Esk Valley in the Hawkes Bay. This sunny, sheltered site was originally planted in the 1940s and then re-established with its current plantings in 1988. It occupies approximately one hectare and is planted with Malbec, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, which are harvested and fermented together as a true expression of the vineyard. The soils are complex, containing layers of seashell and limestone, interspersed with clay and volcanic ash. Fertility is low. The vines are spur-pruned, thinned to one bunch per shoot and hand harvested.

The 2009 vintage of ‘The Terraces’ is to be released. It is the culmination of many years work, beginning at pruning in the winter of 2008.

This release of ‘The Terraces’ is undoubtedly a wine that truly expresses the greatness of its site. The harvest was completed on a single April day and as always all three varieties were co-fermented in a single open topped concrete vat. Upon the completion of fermentation and maceration the new wine was pressed to new French oak barriques for malolactic fermentation and subsequent ageing.

Currently finishing its maturation in our underground cellar, this is without doubt one of the finest wines ever from this Estate, exhibiting the quality and uniqueness of previous vintages while showcasing the increasing complexity derived from now 20 year old vines. While enjoyable as a young wine, those with patience will be rewarded with a wine of great complexity. Only a limited quantity will be bottled, representing a yield of less than one bottle per vine.

Each of the limited number of bottles released will be individually numbered, tissue wrapped and delivered in wooden boxes to our customers.


To register your interest contact Esk Valley Estate at enquiries@eskvalley.co.nz