Elephant Hill hits new highs with 2024 releases
For both winemakers and wine lovers, the arrival of 2024 wines heralds a welcome reprieve on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island, after two challenging years immediately preceding it. The disruptions of 2022 and the devastating impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023 have been well documented now and while they depleted the resources and production of many wineries, they left behind an unexpected positive in Hawke's Bay wine region - a stronger and closer sense of community cohesion than before.
Which brings us to today. A range of exceptional wines are beginning to emerge from the first of a run of good tvintages in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Among the standout performers are the soon-to-be-released 2024 Chardonnays and Syrahs from Elephant Hill, which I have had the pleasure of exploring over the past week. Elephant Hill winemaker Hugh Crichton explains the vintage as slightly cooler in temperature at the start, which naturally reduced flowering in spring, concentrating the intensity in the grapes as a result. And what a result. The following is a collection of wines that combine power with precision. These wines have the structure to reward cellaring.
Crichton says the 2024 season also allowed him to adopt a gentler, less extractive approach alongside longer maceration periods thanks to ripeness - from a year with weather conditions that enabled him to choose when to harvest the grapes. The 2024 Elephant Hill wines have all the impressive power and ripeness of a great year in the Bay's moderate maritime climate but there's an elegance and restraint that brings freshness and memorable length to the wines - and makes them highly cellarable.
The following wines will be released in November this year.
My reviews of Elephant Hill's 2024 vintage
19/20
2024 Elephant Hill Sea Chardonnay RRP $65
This Chardonnay is shaped by its maritime location by the coast, where it is situated, hence the name 'Sea'. The grapes that went into this wine were hand picked and the result is full bodied, richly citrus with weight and subtle spice notes. It was aged in French oak, 38% new, with partial malolactic conversion bringing an element of restrained creamy smooth textural quality. I love the fragrant citrus, white peach and grapefruit aromas that lead into a concentrated palate with energy, vibrancy and poise for now and drinking in the future.
Production: 300 cases.
18.5/20
2024 Elephant Hill Earth Chardonnay RRP $65
Hand picked, whole bunch pressed, natural fermentation and partial malolactic conversion all bring integrity to the depth of flavour in this fresh, young new Chardonnay, which is a blend of 98% grapes grown inland on Bridge Pa Triangle with the 2% remainder from the Sea Vineyard on the coast. Layers of ripe citrus, white nectarine and subtle almond notes unfold across the palate with support from vibrant acidity which brings energy and lift to the rich flavours. The structure suggests a rewarding long life ahead, for those with willpower to age it.
Production: 300 cases.
For the cellar - Syrah
18.5/20
2024 Elephant Hill Stone Syrah RRP $65
Winemaker Hugh Crichton has made an impressively polished Syrah that speaks eloquently of Hawke's Bay's exceptional 2024 vintage. Syrah (96.2%) and Viognier (3.8%) were co-fermented to create seamless integration and aromatic complexity. Crichton's gentle extraction methods and extended maceration both deliver beautifully refined tannins that complement the wine's concentration and depth. Aromas of dark plum, blackberry and exotic spice lead into a layered palate of black fruits, cracked pepper, cedar and savoury nuances. Eighteen months in French oak, 45% new, adds structure and complexity, while a further ten months on light lees prior to bottling contributes texture and finesse.
Production: 300 cases.
2024 Elephant Hill Airavata Syrah RRP $125
Airavata takes its name from the mythical white elephant of Hindu mythology which represents strength and wisdom. Fittingly, this flagship wine ranks among Elephant Hill's most ambitious expressions of Syrah which makes up 97% of the wine, co-fermented with 3% Viognier. Firm textural qualities come from ripe aromas of black plum and dark cherry which intermingle here with baking spices and a subtle twist of caramel. All grapes in this wine were hand picked, destemmed and spent 40 days on skins. The wine spent 18 months ageing in French oak, 50% new, which brings depth and structure to this youthful wine. Drinks well now and will be even better in another five+ years. This is a keeper.
Production: 110 cases.
19/20
2024 Elephant Hill Salomé RRP $95
Salomé is one of New Zealand's benchmark Chardonnays, revealing powerful, nuanced layers of flavour from aromatic citrus to ripe stone fruit, toasted nuts and subtle flinty notes. Salomé takes its name from an ancestor of Elephant Hill's founding family. All grapes were hand harvested and whole-bunch pressed prior to fermentation in French oak barriques with ageing for 11 months in oak (42% new and 58% seasoned barrels).
This is one of the finest expressions of Chardonnay produced in New Zealand today, a weighty wine with great ageing potential.
Production: 300 cases.
2024 Elephant Hill Earth Syrah RRP $65
Made almost entirely from grapes grown on Elephant Hill’s Earth Vineyard in the warm Bridge Pa Triangle area in Hawke's Bay, this Syrah delivers ripe fruit intensity with a small co-fermented portion of Viognier bringing lifted aromas of fruit to the dark spicy notes of Syrah. Layers of dark berry fruit, subtle cedar aromas and youthful structure all suggest that this powerful wine will have a long life ahead. It has great structure and balance to evolve gracefully for 10+ years.
Production: 110 cases.
2024 Elephant Hill Sea Syrah RRP $65
Sea Syrah captures the fresh character of Elephant Hill’s Te Awanga coastal vineyard, where cooling maritime influences shape this wine's elegant structure, floral aromas and energetic texture. Syrah and Viognier were co-fermented which brings lifted aromas of red plum, black cherry, wild herbs and fragrant florals to each vibrant sip. This Syrah was aged for 18 months in French oak which brings poise and roundness to this wine, which drinks well now and can age for up to a decade - and beyond.
Production: 150 cases.
2024 Elephant Hill Stone Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot Malbec Cabernet Franc RRP $65
Sourced entirely from the Stone Vineyard in the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District, this Bordeaux-inspired blend of four noble red grapes showcases the concentration and longevity of great Hawke's Bay reds. Cabernet Sauvignon forms the backbone, supported by plush Merlot, spicy Malbec and the floral flourish of Cabernet Franc. The free-draining gravel soils encourage naturally low yields and intensely flavoured fruit, expressed here through layers of blackcurrant, dark plum, cassis, cedar and savoury spice. Extended time on skins and 18 months in French oak enhance depth in colour, aroma and body in this dense, youthful and impressively structured wine. And yes, it has great ageing potential for 10 years+.
Production: 300 cases.
If ever there was a vintage that shows Hawke's Bay at its finest, 2024 is it.
