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Craggy Range Sophia 2021

One of New Zealand’s top Bordeaux blend reds and extremely limited in supply

97 points | Bob Campbell MW, The Real Review

“A blend of merlot and cabernet franc from the Gimblett Gravels district. Beautifully scented wine with intense cherry/berry, dark-fleshed plum, a suggestion of floral and spicy French oak flavours. Well-structured wine with gently mouthwatering acidity and an impressively lengthy finish. Should age well”

96 points | Huon Hooke, The Real Review

” A classy red that should richly reward a little cellar time.”

96 points | Stephen Wong MW, The Real Review

“Leave it alone in a cellar for at least five years to gestate”

96 points | Cam Douglas

“A sophisticated and complex bouquet, there’s ripeness and power, shape and form, concentration and allure. On the palate a delicious wine led by the savoury dark fruited power of the Cabernet Franc, tempered and softened by the Merlot. Firm tannins and acid line ensure both texture and longevity are in play and combined with the core fruits of plum and blackberry, spice and some new leather, this is a wine to savour and adore. Can you tell I like this wine a lot, it’s delicious. Best drinking from 2026 through 2036.”

95 points | Wine Enthusiast

“There’s an unmistakably minty, dried herbal edge, of the Craggy Range Sophia 2021, which, when combined with leafy black currant and fleshy plum, makes for an evocative, winter-warming aroma profile. There’s stuffing to the palate, the plummy fruit, graphite and spiced tannins fill the mouth, yet it manages a light breezy feel, too, thanks to a cool edge of acidity.” Christina Pickard

£282.69£366.84

Background

A refined and elegant hand-crafted Merlot dominant blend that represents both the vigneron’s art and an inherent understanding of the land, ensuring ‘Sophia’ is the finest expression of the terroir and the people. ‘Sophia’, meaning ‘wisdom’ in Greek mythology, pays tribute to the goddess of knowledge and experience, information and understanding – a philosophy adopted by our winemakers and viticulturists when crafting this wine.

Tasting Note

Deep, garnet red. The 2021 Sophia has an openness rarely seen in this wine owing to a perfect summer of heat and dry days. Subtle notes of wild thyme and sage seamlessly blend with plum, fruit cake and brioche. The mid-palate suppleness and sweetness are already so enticing and sure to appeal to loyal followers of this wine. A delicious release.

In the Vineyard

A very warm spring brought forward the growing season. Summer was mild but with minimal rain days, producing low yields.

In the Cellar
  • Destemmed – 100%
  • Fermentation Vessel – Closed top French oak cuves
  • Fermentation- Inoculated
  • Barrel Type – French oak barriques
  • New Barrel % – 33%
  • Maturation – 17 months
  • Fining – Yes
  • Filtration – Yes – coarse filtration
  • Bottled – Nov-22

 

For more information about Craggy Range wines click here or visit their website here.

Vintage

2021

Varietals

77% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc

Country

New Zealand

Region

Hawkes Bay

Alcohol by Volume

14%

Cellaring Potential

10 – 15 years from vintage

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