2007 Craggy Range Sophia Gimblett Gravels Vineyard

According to Easthope, ‘we could make a lot more if the market existed’. They can leave the wines unsulphured for quite a long time. They keep wines below 13°C to keep brett at bay. Very sweet and luscious. Polished, user friendly and easy already. Toasty, long and very well balanced. Almost too sweet and nice! SO polished. (JR)

The 2007 Sophia, a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Franc has a deep blackberry, cassis, plum, kirsch and violet tinged nose – in fact it is difficult to discern the Cabernet Franc! The palate is full-bodied and beautifully balanced, good acidity, firm tannins and great weight and yet there is also a sense of weightlessness that marks this out as a stunning wine with a persistent tannic finish. This will need 5-6 years ageing at least. Superb. Craggy Range continue to press forward with their ambitious plans and are rapidly becoming one of the most familiar New Zealand producers both at an entry-level, having successfully penetrated the competitive supermarket shelves in the UK, but also winning plaudits for their array of flagship bottlings such as Le Sol, Sophia and The Quarry. I concentrated on new releases but re-tasted some of the Pinot Noirs that I felt have improved significantly. Importer: Kobrand Corporation, Purchase, NY; tel. (914) 253-7700