From a vintage characterised by warmth, that was also dry through ripening and was an early compressed harvest that was finished by mid-April and followed hot on heels of the much heralded 2013 vintage (reviewed by David here > https://winefolio.co.nz/?p=13402). Using fruit from the Gimblett Gravels, this is a blend of 61% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon and 19% Cabernet Franc, that was 100% hand picked and 100% destemmed prior to going into open top fermenters. Aged for 19 months in French barriques, 42% of which were new. It presents in the glass as bright and glossy with deep, opaque ruby hue with little sign of ageing. Cassis and blackberry leap from the glass with a subtle hint of toasty oak. In the mouth the tannins are dusty with flavours of plum & mocha with a hint of cedar. Nicely ripe with a primary fruit profile transitioning to more secondary characters. A very well balanced and serious wine – drinking well now, noting that it is moving into its next phase of what I expect will be a very long life. 94pts
Craggy Range Sophia 2014
