Your online experience is about to get even better!
Yes, we have transformed the Elephant Hill website and you're in it now!
While we have kept the overall website design fairly similar, we have added some new functionalities which will make your shopping experience easier! We have also added features especially for our Wine Club members which offer more flexibility to tailor each shipment!
Tempted to join?
Elephant Hill adapts to new trading environment, refocuses on wine
We hope this email finds you safe and well, regardless of where you are during these extraordinary times.
As you can imagine, COVID-19's impact on New Zealand's tourism and hospitality businesses is hitting hard. Here at Elephant Hill Winery in Te Awanga, Hawke's Bay, so much of our business is dependent on international visitors and wine sales to restaurants and bars across New Zealand and around the world.
That is why we are reorganising our business with plans to strengthen and grow our wine business and our winery, creating a more immersive wine experience for visitors (when you return) and exploring ways we can connect with you, our loyal friends and fans, in new ways.
Our restaurant is currently closed under COVID-19 Level 4 restrictions and safe and responsible trading is likely to be some time away. Reluctantly, we made the decision it will not re-open. Regrettably, this means job losses in our restaurant team.
Much thought has gone into our decision, and we are very sad to be losing great people who have contributed so much to Elephant Hill and the unique experience we offer our visitors. Please know that we are doing everything we can to support them at this difficult time.
Looking toward to the future, we are committed to evolving the unique Elephant Hill wine experience and showcasing the philosophy of excellence and innovation that is at the heart of everything we do. We very much look forward to welcoming visitors, local and international, back to the Winery in the not-too-distant future.
In the meantime, you will be pleased to know you can still order your favourite Elephant Hill wines and have them delivered right to your door. We look forward to being of service to you!
Stay safe,
The Weiss Family
Elephant Hill Winery
24th April 2020
The secret is out!
We are thrilled to share this news with you!
The 2015 Airavata Syrah and 2016 Reserve Cabernet Franc Cabernet Merlot have been awarded a Double Gold Medal and our 2017 Salomé Chardonnay also picked up a Gold Medal from 2019 Six Nations Wine Challenge.
The Six Nations Wine Challenge is one of the most prestigious annual wine shows in the world. The challenge engages one of the leading wine critics in each of the six nations: Australia, New Zealand, USA, Canada, Chile and South Africa, inviting the top 100 wines the country offers for judging. The 6 critics then form the panel of judges that assess the 600 wines in Sydney, across 16 classes, to find some of the greatest wines of the new world producing nations. Bob Campbell MW is New Zealand’s representative Judge.
Elephant Hill picked up two spots at Gimblett Gravels Annual Selection 2017
Gimblett Gravels Winegrowers District is home to some of New Zealand's finest full-bodied red wines. And for the challenging 2017 vintage, both our Airavata and Stone Syrah were selected by Sydney based Master of Wine, Andrew Caillard MW to represent the growing district.
Although the two selected Syrahs are not available for purchase yet, current vintages are available online 2015 Airavata , 2016 Stone Syrah
Since the 2008 vintage, a range of twelve Gimblett Gravels red wines have been independently selected to represent the winegrowing district and it is our pleasure to be listed with other great Gimblett Gravels producers.
Click here to find out more about Gimblett Gravels Annual Selection
Michael Cooper reviewed Elephant Hill's latest Icon release
An emerging star. The very classy, stylish 2015 vintage (5*) was estate-grown and hand-harvested in the Gimblett Gravels (71 per cent) and at Te Awanga (29 per cent), co-fermented with a splash of Viognier (1.7 per cent of the blend), and matured for 26 months in French oak casks (40 per cent new). It has deep, bright, youthful colour, with a beautifully fragrant, fresh, spicy bouquet. A full-bodied, graceful, supple red, it has concentrated, plummy, slightly peppery and nutty flavours, savoury notes adding complexity, and a very harmonious, finely textured, persistent finish. Already delicious, but still unfolding, it should break into full stride from 2022 onwards.
2015 Hieronymus
The powerful, sturdy, rich 2015 vintage (5*) is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (41 per cent), Merlot (22 per cent), Cabernet Franc (17 per cent), Malbec (12 per cent) and Tempranillo (8 per cent), estate-grown in the Gimblett Gravels (58 per cent) and the Bridge Pa Triangle (42 per cent). Matured for 26 months in French oak casks (50 per cent new), it is a boldly coloured, fruit-packed red, with a fragrant, spicy bouquet. Still youthful, it is full-bodied, with dense, well-ripened blackcurrant, plum, spice and nut flavours, hints of pepper and licorice, good tannin backbone, and a long, very harmonious finish. Best drinking 2022+.
The very youthful, tightly structured 2017 vintage (5*) was estate-grown at Te Awanga (principally) and in the Bridge Pa Triangle, and fermented and matured for a year in French oak casks (33 per cent new). Bright, light lemon/green, it has an inviting, complex, fragrant bouquet. Intensely flavoured, it is vibrant, peachy and citrusy, with well-integrated, biscuity oak, good acid spine and a persistent, harmonious finish. Full-bodied, crisp and highly concentrated, with obvious potential, it's well worth cellaring to 2022+.
Sam Kim reviewed Elephant Hill's latest Icon release
2015 Airavata
A compelling rendition; the impressively complex bouquet shows blackberry, Black Doris plum, dark spice, cedar and cocoa characters with nuances of floral and game. The palate is superbly concentrated and weighted, delivering waves of delicious flavours and rich texture, brilliantly structured by seamlessly woven tannins. Sumptuous and graceful, destined for a long life. At its best: 2020 to 2032.
This is profound and compelling; the superbly expressed bouquet shows crème de cassis, Black Doris plum, vanilla, spicy oak and cocoa characters with hints of dried herb and mixed spice. The palate delivers outstanding concentration and depth, wonderfully complemented by layers of rich texture and polished tannins, finishing impressively long and engaging. A blend of 41% cabernet sauvignon, 22% Merlot, 17% Cabernet Franc, 12% Malbec and 8% Tempranillo. At its best: 2024 to 2035
Seductive and sensuous, this splendidly composed chardonnay shows golden peach, rockmelon, lemon peel and brioche characters with nuances of vanilla and cedar. The palate is superbly weighted and expansive, delivering delectable fruit flavours together with stylish oak infusion, finishing persistent and creamy. It is opulent yet elegant with layers of fine texture. At its best: now to 2025
Elephant Hill's latest reviews from Bob Campbell MW and Cameron Douglas MS
2017 Salomé Chardonnay
"Immediately complex with a Meursault-like bouquet of cashew spice, cold smoke, grapefruit peel, apple and peach. A complex and lengthy wine on the palate with flavours that mirror the nose. Satin texture with a light creamy butter note and a bit of new oak. Primed for cellaring with drinking from 2021/22 and through to 2030. An excellent wine." 97 points - Cameron Douglas MS
"Only the second vintage of Elephant Hill's flagship chardonnay with just 111 cases produced. Most of the grapes from Te Awanga with some from a low-cropped section of their Bridge Pa vineyard. Concentrated yet restrained chardonnay that is rather taut at this early stage with chalky, mineral, citrus, brioche and bran biscuit flavours. Should develop well with bottle age. Drink now - 2025." 95 points - Bob Campbell MW
2016 Stone Syrah
"Focus, concentration and power, pepper-spice, wood spice, violets and dark berries, barrel spice and bacon oak, masculine and muscle. There's no mistaking the power and presence of this wine on the palate with youthful energy, backbone of acidity, powerful tannins and core of fruit carrying the structure well, but also showing youth and potential. Lengthy finish with concentration and power. A wine to rival Northern Rhone counterparts. Best drinking 2021 through 2030." 96 points -Cameron Douglas MS
"75 cases made. Dense, restrained and elegant syrah with floral, smoky, black pepper flavours restrained by fine, close-knit tannins that clearly suggest bottle age potential. This is Elephant Hill's top syrah from this coolish vintage. Drink now to 2023" 96 points- Bob Campbell MW
2015 Airavata
"A complex and engaging wine from bouquet to palate the more your swirl, sip and explore the more it offers. Pressed violets and dark raspberry, black currant and plum. Bold tannins and youthful acidity, a hint of tar and boot polish, meat and smoke. No mistaking the impact of oak with a core of fruit and flavour this wine is impressive. Requires cellar time to integrate and develop. Decant and taste again in 2022. A wine destined to last through to 2030+." 98 points- Cameron Douglas MS
"Flagship syrah made from 2/3 Gimblett Gravels and 1/3 Te Awanga grapes. Big, dense and very ripe red that is both elegant and a blockbuster with pepper, plum, berry, coffee and mocha flavours. A concentrated wine that's built to last. Drink now - 2025" 96 points- Bob Campbell MW
2015 Hieronymus
"Youthful, powerful and focused bouquet of Hawkes Bay red wine. The Cabernet is the driving force on the nose with cigar and blackberry fruit, the Franc is unmistakable with olive and sweet leaves, violet and dark berry; the Malbec highlights new oak with bitter chocolate and black cherry note; the Merlot brings everything together with flavours of plum and softness. Other flavours include marmite and barrel spices. A youthful example with big tannins and acidity to match and plenty new oak, complex and lengthy finish. Cellar till at least 2025 before sampling again. This will be a twenty-five year wine. Cellar properly and this wine will reward." 98 points- Cameron Douglas MS
"280 cases made. A blend of cabernet sauvignon, merlot, cabernet franc, malbec and tempranillo. Big, dense red with concentration and power. Layers of berry, dried fruits, spice, cedar and a suggestion of floral characters. A very complex wine with a higher level of dry extract (a measure of flavour concentration) than any wine previously made at Elephant Hill. Drink now – 2030" 97 points- Bob Campbell MW
Hawke's Bay Marathon 2019 is less than 2 months away!
Some of you may already know Elephant Hill will be the finish line of 2019 Air New Zealand Hawke's Bay International Marathon. But there might be something you don't quite know...
On Friday 17th May (day before the big run!), Elephant Hill will have Pinot & Pasta party!
It's a well-known fact that carb-loading before race day is important and the team at Elephant Hill have the perfect way for you to do so!
Choose between three different time slots on Friday 17 May to spend time enjoying some pasta and a glass of Elephant Hill Pinot Noir - can you think of a better way to prepare for race day?
Date: Friday 17 May
Time slots: 5:30pm / 7:00pm / 8:30pm (each session will be 1.5 hours long)
Price: $40
There will be two types of pasta available as well as gluten free/vegetarian/dairy free options available.
How to book
If you are already entered, log into your My Active account and select 'Additional Purchase'. If you haven't entered already, you can select to purchase when you are entering. Spaces are strictly limited per time slot so book early to avoid missing out!
Hawke's Bay Wine Auction 2018
Date of Publication: 10, August 2018
Elephant Hill is proud to support our local charities- Hawke's Bay Wine Auction and Cranford Hospice. Hawke's Bay Wine Auction is a perfect event for wine lovers or art collectors. Get up close and personal with winemakers and taste a wide range of Hawke's Bay wine and canapes!
Although 2017 vintage was a particular difficult vintage for many wineries in terms of weather, Elephant Hill is still able to produce our special limited edition wine- Stone Syrah from Gimblett Gravels. For the 2018 Hawke's Bay Wine Auction, we will be offering a quarter barrique of this exceptional wine.
Buy your ticket now
The most grammable restaurants in New Zealand
Name of Media: Remix Magazine
Date of Publication: 26 June 2018
To learn more about the restaurant or if you wish to make a booking, please visit our restaurant site
www.elephanthill.co.nz/restaurant
To read the full Remix article, please click the link below.
https://www.remixmagazine.com/lifestyle/beautiful-restaurants-newzealand/