Gravels winemaker steps up

Winemaker Gordon Russell has been appointed chairman of the Gimblett Gravels Association. Photo / Warren Buckland

Esk Valley Estate senior winemaker Gordon Russell has been appointed the new chairman of the Gimblett Gravels Association in a move he said with a smile was "my turn".

He has taken over the role from Sacred Hill's Tony Bish.

"I've been there since the beginning and have been on the sub-committee for some time, and over the past two years I've been under Tony's stewardship as deputy chairman," Mr Russell said.

He said he was honoured to become the chairman of what he described as "a talented group of growers and wine makers."

"I want to carry on the work of the outgoing chairman - his strategic direction and dedication over the last two years has significantly raised the profile of Gimblett Gravels wines, both in New Zealand and on the international stage."

Mr Russell said in 2001, when the association was formed, the name Gimblett Gravels was only "bandied about" in Hawke's Bay.

"Now the association is 13 years old and in that time the name Gimblett Gravels has become part of the wine language around the world."

He said the unique 800 hectare (2000 acres) district of deeply layered gravels deposited by the Ngaruroro River had become internationally recognised and acclaimed for consistent production of quality wines.

Over the past two years winemakers within the Gimblett Gravels Association have emerged with 26 trophies and 42 gold medals in domestic and international wine shows.

"To win Best New Zealand Red Wine and Best New Zealand White Wine at the International Wine Challenge was extremely exciting."

Mr Russell said the association, which represented more than 20 wineries, had achieved much and there were exciting times ahead.

As one of his first roles he is overseeing a pre-release showcase of 2013 wines to be staged in Auckland later this year.

Tastings had also been staged as far afield as London and Hong Kong and that international exposure would continue, he said.