2004 Craggy Range "Sophia" Gimblett Gravels Hawkes Bay New Zealand

SKU #1106544 90 points Wine Enthusiast

 Shows all the intensity you could want from a New Zealand Merlot (there’s just 7% Cab Franc and 1% Cab Sauvignon in the blend), but seems to be in a bit of an awkward stage right now. Back in June it showed great finesse and elegance to go with its power, but tasted again in September it seems chunkier, with some rough edges of wood and alcohol poking out. Try in 2009.  (12/ 2006)

90 points Wine Spectator

 A broad-shouldered Merlot, with concentrated black currant, black plum and generous cedary oak flavors. Fresh herb tones and muscular tannins grip the finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon.  (2/ 2007)

K&L Notes

From Jancis Robinson: "Heavy bottle. Two years in French oak. Very inviting deep, savoury rich dark fruit aromas, spiced but not over oaked. Firm, deep pile ripe tannins. A lovely rich mouthful and fine long finish." (02/2008)

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Price: $59.99

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Additional Information:

Varietal:

Merlot

- A very popular red grape variety found in the great wines of St. Emilion and Pomerol. It is the most planted variety in Bordeaux, and it has also become an extremely fashionable red in many regions including California. Although it has a reputation to be smooth, and easy to drink when young, Merlot is also capable of producing extremely intense wines as well. It is often used as a blending agent with Cabernet Sauvignon.
Country:

New Zealand

- A Southern Pacific island 1,000 miles from the nearest land-mass (Australia), New Zealand has a maritime climate, suitable for wine production of excellent quality. For better or worse, this was discovered by New Zealand agriculturalists relatively recently (end of the 20th century), thus the wine industry is virtually brand new. Although most influenced by Australian academia, New Zealand's wine industry has begun to adopt many European and California viticultural and enological practices. Although the New Zealand wine biz is known most for its Sauvignon Blanc, the most planted variety is Chardonnay, with Pinot Noir gaining in popularity. Click for a list of bestselling items from New Zealand.