Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels Vineyard

A red wine from New Zealand's most famous gravel soil: The Gimblett Gravels in Hawke's Bay are among the most distinctive wine sites in the southern hemisphere — deeply drained gravel soils that store heat and drive Merlot to concentrated, structured wines.

Behind the Te Kahu is Craggy Range, founded in 1997 by the Peabody family together with Master of Wine Steve Smith. From the beginning, the winery pursued a consistent single-vineyard philosophy: every site should show its own potential, unfiltered and undiluted. The Gimblett Gravels Vineyard is one of the company's flagship sites.

In the glass, the Merlot shows dark plum and cassis, plus nutmeg, tobacco, and a hint of sandalwood. The body is lush but calm — subtle acidity, finely integrated tannins that do not push. The finish is long and dry, with a pleasant spice.

Pairs with braised lamb shoulder, beef fillet with pepper sauce, or aged cheddar. Serving temperature: 16–18 °C. Does particularly well with some air in the glass.