2023 · Chardonnay

Esk Valley is a Hawke’s Bay winery producing wines from Hawke’s Bay—including the Gimblett Gravels—and Marlborough. Winemaking is led by Gordon Russell, who has been with the estate for more than 25 years. Its distinctive vineyard holdings include a low-cropped, one-hectare Verdelho block, one of only seven hectares of the variety in New Zealand. The Heipipi The Terraces red comes from an organically farmed, unirrigated Hawke’s Bay site and is harvested as a field blend, while the Artisanal Collection showcases Russell’s interpretation of classic regional styles through wines including Chardonnay, Malbec-led blends and Syrah. Esk Valley operates within the Villa Maria portfolio, owned by Sir George Fistonich.