I know this wine on the 2009.
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6264&hilit=Esk+ValleyIt is a good wine when layed down for 12 months or so.
The 2011 Awatere's are tight when not made in the girly tittle tattle style, Esk does cut the palate very well even in a softer year. Ba, your TN is spot on for Esk, you will find on day 2 when the fizz has gone that the wine is deeper, and a tad easier. I will buy again if I can get the two twelve vintage on some sort of offer.
Esk is bravely different.
My fave Esk was the '07, introduced by a very long standing friend.