2008 The Quarry

A blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Merlot and 6% Cabernet Franc matured in 59% new oak, the 2008 The Quarry has very good definition on the nose with blackberry, blueberry, cedar and a touch of tobacco: a bouquet that just builds and builds. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins, great purity and possessing such finesse and precision with notes of blackberry, a touch of white pepper and cassis/briary on the aftertaste. Like the Sophia ’08, there is an enthralling symmetry at work here, whilst the judicious alcohol of 13.8% leave the palate feeling fresh and willing another sip. Just 270 cases made. Drink 2013-2025. The wines from Craggy Range were tasted both in Hawkes Bay in January 2010 and then in London six months later. Steve Smith, Rod Easthope and the team continue to furnish consumers with a wide portfolio of terroir-based wines that satisfy both the value and prestige end of the market. Having tasted many of their wines, there is no doubt that they have ‘toned down’ their style, the initial releases being rather hubristic and a tad top-heavy with oak. This sense of refinement has lent the wines greater poise and breeding. Their reds are still their strongest suit, in particular their flagship labels such as ‘Le Sol’ and ‘Sophia’, but do not overlook their Chardonnays that exude great purity and Burgundian poise. Meanwhile their ‘Wild Rock’ entry-level range, which is treated as a completely separate entity to Craggy Range, contains some delightful varietals that form a neat introduction to the delights of Hawkes Bay’s wines. Importer: Kobrand Corp., New York, NY; tel. (212) 490-9300.