Sophia Gimblett Gravels

A red wine from Hawke's Bay that showcases the warm, sun-drenched side of New Zealand: dense fruitiness, firm structure and a long finish that lingers for a while.

Craggy Range was founded in 1997 by the Peabody family and Master of Wine Steve Smith, with a clear single-vineyard philosophy. The winery lies in the shadow of Te Mata Peak in Hawke's Bay, one of New Zealand's most important red wine regions. The Gimblett Gravels, a narrow band of well-drained gravelly soil, are among the most sought-after sites in the region: the heat that the gravel retains during the day and releases at night brings Merlot to full ripeness.

In the glass, the Sophia displays dark berry fruit – blackberry, cassis – underpinned by cocoa and a subtle oak spice. The fruit is lush and ripe, almost sweet, with a hint of caramel in the background. The tannins are firm but integrated; the finish is long and smooth.

Served at 16–18 °C, it pairs well with braised lamb loin, beef fillet, or a spicy hard cheese. Those who age it for another one to two years will be rewarded with even greater depth of flavor.