Description / Reviews
// 79% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon
"Sophia, the height of elegance and longevity, predominantly showcases Merlot, complemented by Cabernet Franc, and a portion of Cabernet Sauvignon. Crafted at our Giants Estate Winery, Sophia embodies opulence and ripe flavours with a tannin structure supporting extensive ageing. With vines now over 25 years old, our distinct Merlot blocks contribute aromatic elegance and plush power. Evolving winemaking techniques yield depth and balance with silk-laden tannins accentuated by elevated perfume." - Craggy Range, Winemaker
"A 79% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Franc, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon blend anchored by Merlot from Block 24 (clone 481), hand-harvested after a cool, delayed budbreak and bunch- and berry-sorted before whole berries went into closed-top French oak cuves for 21-23 day ferments. Each block was matured separately in French oak before the final blend returned to oak for a further six months. A little shy initially, though unfurling nicely with milk chocolate, mulberry, plum and pencil shavings before some time in the glass reveals more prominent cedar, sweet tilled earth, graphite and spent coffee grinds. The graphite brings a mineral feel through the perfume bringing a lovely sense of shape. In the mouth it’s intense and precise – plum, cedar, chocolate, espresso, graphite again, a subtly minty edge. Very classy and fine but with a firm assertion of grainy tannins – not overt – but framing and elongating the wine to a long finish. I like this for its power that’s funnelled through a linear coil to great length. A strong release." - 94 Points, Ken Gargett, Wine Pilot
