Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Craggy Range 'Sophia'


The 2014 Craggy Range 'Sophia' is a Bordeaux varieties blend. It is Merlot dominant (61%), with additional components of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Petit Verdot. In this way, it is fashioned similar to the Right Bank of Bordeaux. It is grown on the famous Gimblett Gravels of Hawke's Bay, and this ground is sometimes compared to the soil of Pauillac on the Left Bank. At the end of the day, it is a serious New Zealand red.

This wine is quite perfumed on the nose. On the palate, it is a full-bodied, rich wine. I taste black, blue, and red fruits, good complexity. White pepper is quite prominent. Overall, the wine is a bit thick in the mouth, yet it keeps an elegant feel. It stays full-bodied to the end with a medium finish.

This wine is still young, and will peak in 3-5 years, in my view, with a much longer life ahead.

Score: 95/++ 

 

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