2014 Craggy Range Sophia Bordeaux Blend, Gimblett Gravels, Hawkes Bay

96 pts - Bob Campbell (MW)

The best parcels of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot Bordeaux varietals are selected from the Gimblett Gravels vineyard and blended to make the richly layered and precisely constructed ‘Sophia’. 61% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Cabernet Franc Darkest red. Brooding aromatically with blackcurrant, blackberry, dried red rose and cedar notes emerging. The wine exerts elegance across the palate with a pure red /black fruit core drawn long by layers of fine grained tannins.