Russell, head wine-maker at Villa Maria-owned Esk Valley wines in the Hawke’s Bay, is renowned for his innovation, introducing new grape varieties and new styles such as the first merlot-based red wine produced in the Hawke’s Bay; the first varietal merlot in New Zealand; Esk Valley’s first malbec and malbec-based blend; New Zealand’s first verdelho; and a leader in dry rose.
