Elspeth represents the top tier of wines produced from Mills Reef's very own vineyards in the Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay.
The fruit is hand-picked and only under the Elspeth label when fruit is of exceptional quality. Our winemaking team share the philosophy of a hands-on, no expense spared approach to produce these fine award winning wines. 

The range is limited to Chardonnay, Syrah and Bordeaux style reds. The Elspeth tier is named in honour and memory of our winemakers Grandmother, Elspeth Preston. The grapes for this distinguished wine were grown exclusively in the highly regarded Mere Road Vineyard in the celebrated Gimblett Gravels district of Hawkes Bay. 

Hand-picked between 13th and 15th April 2016 at 20.8° Brix, the grapes were destemmed, retaining whole berries, which were cold soaked for 2 days prior to fermentation. Fermentation proceeded (14% wild) with selected yeast – 66% in French integrale barrel rotated twice daily, 34% in an open top fermenter plunged twice daily. Post fermentation, the wines were allowed 15 days alcohol soak before being pressed off skins and transferred to barrel for 17 months aging in quality French hogsheads (50% new). 

This superb Syrah from the exceptional vintage brims with intense flavour and complexity, displaying luscious boysenberry, white pepper spice and liquorice, on a beautifully integrated and refined palate. Eminently drinkable now, it will also greatly reward cellaring for longer term enjoyment.  

13%