2019 Sophia

60% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon. They kept the Cabernet on skins for a shorter time than the Merlot. Cooler ferments (described by Julian Grounds as 'a Croserism', a reference to the winemaking style influenced by Australian Brian Croser in the 1980s and 1990s). Ambient-yeast fermentation for the Cabernet Franc – with a cooler soak it would have begun fermentation after 5–6 days. 2020 fermentation temperatures were also kept under 25 °C. Rich and smooth and polished. Very sophisticated – almost too much so! The wine is not amazingly persistent. (JR)

Full bottle 1,360 g – better (lighter) than the Syrah and Pinot! Blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Very nicely integrated nose. Confident wine that is expressing what this area does best. Savour with real bite and a future. Already approachable. Smooth but present tannins and admirable texture. I see that I haven't tasted this wine since the 2016 vintage. I wonder why it has not featured in the annual Gimblett Gravels dozen? It's admirably long. (JR)

I like the way things seem to be going at Craggy, with efforts to allow the fruit to shine rather than try to polish it too much in the winery. The 2019 Sophia is a Bordeaux blend featuring pure black cherry and blackberry alongside a creamy vanilla note and festive spices. While it's full-bodied and round, it's neither plush nor heavy, offering excellent concentration balanced with freshness. It's not overdone or forced, providing a seemingly relaxed impression in the mouth. The tannins are abundant yet resolved, displaying the finest gravelly texture and gently, refreshing acidity. Fine sinew on the finish draws this out. A touch more length and precision would make it even greater. It's pretty bloody good, though. The blend is 60% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc and 14% Cabernet Sauvignon.