Craggy Range Sophia 2019

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Craggy Range
Label Name:
 
Sophia
Vintage:
 
2019
Country:
 
New Zealand
Region:
 
Hawke's Bay (Gimblett Gravels).
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot (60%), Cabernet Franc (26%), Cabernet Sauvignon (14%).
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
4
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Bob Campbell MW 97 pts; Decanter D96 (96 pts); Cameron Douglas MS 96 pts; other retailer ratings include mid-90s

Tasting Note
Concentrated black cherry, blackberry and cassis with cedar, violet and festive spice; silky, fine-grained tannins, juicy acidity and a long savory finish.

Food Pairing
Roast lamb, slow‑braised beef, beef short ribs, mushroom risotto (Western); Peking duck, char siu/roast pork, Korean BBQ short ribs, miso‑glazed aubergine (Asian).

Production Method
Parcels from Gimblett Gravels fermented (oak tanks) and matured 18 months in French oak barrels (≈40% new); best barrels blended into the cuvée.

Vineyard Info
Craggy Range, founded by Terry Peabody, focuses on single-vineyard expressions from Hawke's Bay; Sophia is the estate's prestige Merlot-dominant Bordeaux-style wine.