Craggy Range Sophia (aged Release) 2013

Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Craggy Range
Label Name:
 
Sophia (aged Release)
Vintage:
 
2013
Country:
 
New Zealand
Region:
 
Hawke's Bay (Gimblett Gravels)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13.5%
Grape(s):
 
Merlot 62%, Cabernet Sauvignon 19%, Cabernet Franc 18%, Petit Verdot 1%
Acidity:
 
3
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
14-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Notable scores: Bob Campbell MW 98, Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 93+; Decanter 93; The Wine Front 95; Vinous ~91. Multiple international reviews praise structure, length and ageing potential

Tasting Note
Concentrated blackcurrant, blackberry and plum with violet, cedar, clove and pencil-shavings. Medium–full-bodied, fine-grained muscular tannins, vibrant acidity and a long, multi-layered, mineral finish.

Food Pairing
Western: roast lamb, beef, venison, braised short ribs, aged cheddar. Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi), char siu, Peking duck, beef rendang, mushroom stir-fry.

Production Method
Hand-harvested Bordeaux-blend grapes from Gimblett Gravels; fermented and matured ~19 months in French oak barriques (c.42% new). Traditional winemaking with careful selection for the aged release.

Vineyard Info
Craggy Range, founded by Terry Peabody, is a family-owned Hawke's Bay estate focused on Gimblett Gravels terroir. Sophia is their flagship Merlot-dominant Bordeaux-style wine showcasing site and age-worthiness.