Craggy Range SOPHIA Gimbletts

With Sophia, a wine from Craggy Range's Prestige Collection, Steve Smith creates a complex wine in the Bordeaux tradition. Gimblett's Gravels Vineyard, with its thick layers of stony soil, boasts soil that has been compared to the higher appellations in Bordeaux.

New Zealand's best plots

Craggy Range was founded around 1997. The philosophy was to select only the best parcels in New Zealand and then plant only grape varieties perfectly suited to the terroir. This made it the first winery in the Southern Hemisphere to adopt this approach. Craggy Range is one of the most advanced wineries ever built in New Zealand and is known for its high standards and meticulous craftsmanship. Over the years, the wines have become increasingly refined, acquiring depth and maturity. The Gimblett Gravels Vineyard Syrah from Craggy Range is a fascinating red wine blend of Merlot (62 percent), Cabernet Sauvignon (19 percent), Cabernet Franc (18 percent) and Petit Verdot (1 percent) and presents itself in a glass in a dark garnet red. The various grape varieties all come from the Hawke's Bay region. The grapes are harvested and selected with great care. The grapes are pressed in the cellar, and the mash is then fermented in a stainless steel tank. This is followed by eighteen months of aging in French oak barrels. This dry red wine from New Zealand is a real treat with beef tenderloin with red wine sauce and mashed potatoes, rack of lamb with rosemary potatoes, or with liver and steamed onions.

The aromas and taste of Craggy Range SOPHIA Gimbletts

The wine is a dark garnet red. The expressive bouquet is enhanced by notes of blackberry, cassis, and cocoa—accompanied by oaky notes. This red wine is opulent on the palate without being overpowering, boasting a body with sweet fruit and caramelized nuances. The fine tannins are perfectly woven into the dense texture. The excellent length on the finish completes this unforgettable New Zealand wine.