The 2023 Gimblett Gravels® Annual Vintage Selection is more than a snapshot of a single season; it is a testament to perseverance, adaptability and the quiet heroism of those who work with the land. These six wines do not shy away from the story of their year - they embrace it, reflecting its challenges and joys.

In doing so, they remind us that great wines are not only shaped by their growing conditions, but by the courage to keep going when perfection is out of reach.

It takes courage to make wine in great vintages and it takes tenacity and determination to do so in the more challenging ones, which 2023 most certainly was. When he revealed the results of his annual blend tasting of the 2023 Gimblett Gravels®Annual Vintage Selection, Master of Wine Andrew Caillard said, “The 2023 wines highlight the resilience of the district while showing the creative strength of winemakers and the exceptional calibre of vineyard managers and their teams. Having seen the aftermath of Cyclone Gabrielle, it is extremely moving to taste wines of this quality and impact."

The 2023 Gimblett Gravels® Selection wines are a salient reminder that we are all  in nature’s hands.

The best six Gimblett Gravels® 2023 Annual Vintage Selection

Learn more about Gimblett Gravels here.

2023 Church Road Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Cabernet Franc RRP $40
Release July 2026

A poised and quietly powerful blend that opens with dark berry aromatics - blackcurrant, mulberry and a touch of dark plum, woven with subtle cedar and dried herb flavours. The palate is structured but refined, with fine-grained tannins that feel both classical and confidently modern. There is impressive concentration for the vintage but what stands out most is the wine’s balance and sense of restraint. church-road.com

2023 Cuvar Guardians Cabernet Merlot Malbec RRP $49.99
Released

A vibrant, expressive blend that speaks to both the challenges and triumphs of the season. Aromas of ripe plum, blackcurrant and mocha sit alongside lifted floral notes. The palate is generous without excess, showing supple tannins and a pleasing line of acidity that keeps the wine fresh and energetic. It has the structure to evolve gracefully. www.cuvarwinery.com

2023 Mission Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon RRP $29
Release December 2026

A wine of clarity and classic Cabernet Sauvignon definition. Blackcurrant leaf, blackberries and savoury spice lead the aromatics, followed by a palate that is taut, linear and has firm but polished tannins, giving the wine a sense of direction and purpose. This is a Cabernet that speaks confidently of its origins and will evolve with time. www.missionestate.co.nz

2023 Squawking Magpie The Chatterer Merlot Malbec RRP $26.95  
Released

Bright, juicy and immediately appealing, The Chatterer offers a playful expression of the 2023 vintage in Hawke's Bay with red plum, cherry and hints of baking spice inviting aromatic appeal. Soft tannins and a pleasing generosity of fruit make this wine approachable now. It also retains enough structure to hold interest over the next six to seven years+. squawkingmagpie.co.nz

2023 Elephant Hill Stone Syrah RRP $65
Released

A Syrah of remarkable purity and finesse. Aromas of violet, black pepper and dark berry fruit rise from the glass with precision. The palate is sleek and finely textured with beautifully integrated oak. The tannins are silky yet assertive, giving the wine both elegance and authority. elephanthill.co.nz

2023 Stonecroft Organic Reserve Syrah RRP $60
Release June 2026

A deeply expressive, organically grown Syrah that leans into savoury complexity. Notes of blackberry, smoked spice, olive tapenade and earth create a layered taste with concentrated and structured character, firm tannins and a long finish. This is a wine of gravitas that reflects both the producer’s philosophy and the resilience of the vintage. It will benefit greatly from cellaring. stonecroft.co.nz