2021 Elephant Hill Le Phant Rouge

Brand	Elephant Hill
Region	Hawkes Bay
Varietal	Merlot Syrah Cabernet
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	13.5%
Vintage	2021
Country	New Zealand
Vegan
Vegetarian

A blend of 4 grapes from 3 vineyards - Merlot, Syrah, Tempranillo, Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, from Te Awanga, Gimblett Gravels, and the Bridge Pa Triangle. From the top vintage of 2021 and as always, Elephant Hill produces spectacular wines across their whole portfolio. Le Phant Rouge 2021 highlights their viticulture and winemaking prowess, the fruit is obviously pristine and plush if this superb release is anything to go by. Matured for 12 months in French Oak, and where this 2021 is a bit of a blockbuster, with plenty of weight, body, and oomph, one that will age 6-8 years+

Plenty of juicy blackberries and Black Doris plum, with hints of smoke, spice, a peppery lift and minerality.

Loads of plummy fruit, with opulent, rounded mouthfeel, a peppery note showing the influence of Syrah combined with the juiciness of Merlot, and with the Malbec fleshing out the structure, complemented by the salivating tannin/acid balance of the Cabernets. It's lots of wine for the money to enjoy between now and 2030 with a juicy steak or Thai beef salad.