Craggy Range Sophia Merlot 2024
- 95
- $173
- Drink by: 2026-2046
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From the Gimblett Gravels sub-region in Hawkes Bay, Merlot (79%) is always dominant in this wine, supported by Cabernet Franc (14%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (7%). Each block of fruit used was matured separately in French oak before blending took place and the final wine then spent a further six months in oak. Another in the brilliant assembly of Craggy Range wines from the 2024 vintage, for me, the best collection they have ever released. Deep blood red with a dark crimson edge, the nose exhibits aromas of plums, tobacco leaves, chocolate, cedar, warm earth, mushrooms, coffee grinds, aniseed, leather, animal skins and blackberries. There is savouriness here, but everything is kept well in check. A wine of power and focus with great intensity and direction, there is a line of bright acidity running the full journey through to the sleek tannins on a lingering and persistent finish. Enjoy over the next twenty years.
Ken was born and bred in Brisbane, Queensland. He had a non-trendy, perfectly happy childhood, in a family convinced alcohol meant instant condemnation to Hades. But a break fishing on the Great Barrier Reef, and some good wine, started a serious obsession that eventually took over. It did not stop Ken being chastised later for drinking Pol champagne, disgusted he’d drink anything made by a Cambodian dictator. Now, Ken mostly writes on wine, champagne and spirits for various newspapers, magazines and books, but is perhaps best known for his work in The Courier Mail. He also has a little sideline writing on cigars, fishing, travel and food. When not writing, fly-fishing for trout in NZ or bonefish on the flats of Cuba, travelling or smoking cigars, he is no doubt following a variety of sporting teams – the occasionally glorious Queensland Reds rugby, the dysfunctional Washington Redskins, the dodgy Arsenal and especially revels in the world restored to its proper axis with the return of the Ashes to their rightful home.
