With much anticipation and praise from both the winemakers and ourselves here at the shop, the 2020 vintage release from Craggy Range has arrived! Here are reds of the highest elegance and style, with full flexible palates that we're excited to show you - join us this Saturday (23rd of July) for a FREE tasting from 11am to 1pm of each of these Craggy Range wines!
A Note on the 2020 Vintage -
"The winter of 2019 broke quickly, and immediately we were presented with above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall during spring in both Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa. Flowering conditions were near perfect, and the resulting berry number and bunch weights were in the average to above-average range across the board. The ripening period in both regions was warm and remarkably consistent. The hills browned off without any significant breaks in the warm conditions, and disease pressure was negligible. Phenolic ripeness was achieved early and of particular note was how ripe the stems were in Pinot Noir in Martinborough and Syrah in the Gimblett Gravels. This would be critical in allowing more stem inclusion later at fermentation time. It would be remiss not to mention the pandemic erupting right at the picking stage. However, we could not have wished for a more perfect season to negate this complexity. The Pinot Noir harvest began a week earlier than average with ideal sugar numbers, and the Bordeaux varietals and Syrah from the Gimblett Gravels also commenced a week ahead of average. From the outset, the concentration of flavour in all varieties was apparent. Intense colour, tannin quality, and lift of aromatics are also a highlight. But perhaps the greatest pleasure is seeing both the immediate expressiveness of the wines but also the longevity and narrative they will tell as they age. A vintage that, side-by-side with 2019, will be considered the greatest back-to-back in our winery’s history. Truly one to celebrate.” - Julian Grounds, Chief Winemaker
2019 Te Kahu Merlot Cabernet - $30 per bottle ; $35 RRP
"Deepest crimson red. Brooding aromatically with notes of cassis, black olive, dried tobacco and the faintest hint of roasted hazelnut. The palate is alive with rich, ripe red to black fruit, with a mid-palate that speaks volumes to the warm and long ripening period. A perfect example of medium-bodied Bordeaux style blends from the Gimblett Gravels" – Winemaker
2018 Te Muna Road Pinot Noir - $49 per bottle ; $55 RRP
"Vibrant red cherry with a crimson hue. Complex aromatic array of dark rose, plum, cherry, tree bark and wooden spices. Supple palate entry with attractive varietal red fruits and lovely tension from the fine tannin profile. A joyful wine full of charm." – Winemaker
2019 Gimblett Gravels Syrah - $43 per bottle ; $49 RRP
"The Gimblett Gravels endeavour is a model for terroir research outside traditional regions, and recent generous vintages have really begun to pay off for this disciplined private association of Hawke's Bay wine growers. This is glorious Syrah: deep, dense and black-red in colour, with classic varietal aromas which combine inner urgency with sweet seduction. On the palate the wine offers a cascade of fruit, with tempered acidity and shy tannins. It's the grain to that fruit which impresses so: primary (plum, currant and sloe) yet nuanced, too, perfumed to the last drop and with a sense of stone behind the fruit to lend it dignity and keep you coming back to the glass for more." - 97 Points, Decanter
// BEST IN SHOW at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2022
2020 Sophia Bordeaux Blend - $110 per bottle ; $129 RRP
"A blend of merlot, cabernet franc and cabernet sauvignon grown in the Gimblett Gravels subregion. Intense, rich and complex wine with cassis, blackberry, dark chocolate, cedar, liquorice and spicy oak flavours supported by firm, ripe tannins. A serious red that promises to reward careful cellaring.” - 97 Points, Bob Campbell, MW
"Full steam ahead for Julian Grounds. Edging these once were very architectural, spit shined and square wines into a more complex, expressive paradigm, and better for it. Merlot led, cabernet francs and sauvignons support acts. Pure, fine boned and rippling with muscular tension, yet energetic, fresh, super in its filigree and tannin characters and yet with this quiet wild streak, a herbal lift, a flair of spice and inherent vibrancy. Succulent in texture, gravelly yet soft and building chew along those flowing, lacy lines of tannin. Purple splashes of fruitiness and sweet spice to finish. So delicious and yet so immediately appealing and yet so serious. A coup.” - 95+ Points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front
2020 Aroha Pinot Noir - $130 per bottle ; $149 RRP
"A supremely suave and stylish pinot noir with layers of cherry, berry, violet, five-spice, anise, struck-flint and nutty oak flavours. Fruit sweetness, gentle acidity and fine tannins marry into each other to give the wine a seamless backbone. It defines elegance.“ - 98 Points, Bob Campbell, MW
"This is a very stylish, plump and fleshy pinot that has a sweetly spicy, floral and fragrant nose with ripe red and dark cherries, as well as sappy, forest leaves and gentle, earthy tones. Complex, young and fresh. The palate has such supple and sappy cherries and blueberries with a fresh, tangy line of acidity and a long, polished finish. Impressive.” - 97 Points, Nick Stock, JamesSuckling.com
2020 Le Sol Syrah - $130 per bottle ; $149 RRP
“Haunting, complex syrah, with layers of flavours that include violet, floral, blackcurrant, dark cherry, black pepper and nutty oak flavours. Approachable now but with obvious cellaring potential. An intense, powerful wine with a lingering finish. Elegance on a grand scale.“ - 98 Points, Bob Campbell MW
To purchase any of the wines in this blog, please use the links above, phone us on (07) 3252 1117, or email us at sales@thewineemporium.com.au - Prices valid until stock runs out or until July 27th 2022.