93
points
Craggy Range 2007 Calvert Vineyard Pinot Noir (Bannockburn)
-
$50
This vineyard is coming into its own, with stellar wines emerging from Felton Road and Pyramid Valley in 2007 as well as this offering. It’s nearly jammy, filled with cherry fruit, but there is enough sous bois character to make it recognizably Pinot Noir, and a delightfully lush, creamy texture framed by supple tannins and adequate acids. Drink now–2017.
— J.C.
(4/1/2011)
93
points
Craggy Range 2003 Te Muna Block 1 Doug Wisor Memorial Pinot Noir (Martinborough Terrace)
-
$60
Full-bodied, yet soft and enveloping, this silky-smooth wine seduces with its lush mouthfeel and ripe, plummy fruit, then layers on spice and savory complexities including hints of coffee, game, cola and earth. Just 42 cases imported. Imported by Kobrand.
— J.C.
(12/1/2005)
92
points
Craggy Range 2002 Sophia Gimblett Gravels Red (Hawke's Bay)
-
$55
Roughly two-thirds Merlot and one-third Cabernet Franc, this dense, plummy wine is New World all the way, with incredibly ripe fruit that approaches chocolate fudge wedded to sexy hints of coconut and vanilla. Yet the wine is balanced and structured, with lush, chewy tannins that demand a couple of years’ cellaring. Tannic on the finish, but the fruit shines…
— J.C.
(7/1/2005)
92
points
Craggy Range 2004 Le Sol Gimblett Gravels Syrah (Hawke's Bay)
-
$65
This is an inky purple-hued Syrah, with the power to match its intense color. Scents of toast, vanilla and black cherries set the stage, while the flavors build on that, adding hints of cured meat and cinnamon. This is full-bodied, with ripe tannins, yet isn’t soft. Give it a couple years in the cellar to allow the wood to integrate, and this will be even tastier.
— J.C.
(7/1/2007)
91
points
Craggy Range 2007 Le Sol Gimblett Gravels Syrah (Hawke's Bay)
-
$90
In its first couple of vintages, Le Sol was almost Australian in character, but it is now taking a more perfumed and elegant tack, with this ’07 featuring hints of rhubarb and cracked pepper on the nose, and dark berry fruit matched by savory notes of coffee and black olives on the palate. It’s creamy in texture, yet without excess weight, and finishes long. Drink…
— J.C.
(9/1/2011)