2024 Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Syrah, Hawkes Bay

Gimblett Gravels Syrah, Shiraz this side of the ditch, continues to excite and seems to get better vintage after vintage. From a single vineyard, the colour here is a gleaming mauve/magenta. It is immediately apparent that the intensity of this well-balanced wine not only runs the full journey, but never wavers. The aromas include notes of leather, truffles, mulberries, black cherries, charcuterie, coffee grinds and an array of spices, with even a flick of pepper. The wine is taut, poised and offers a supple texture with fine balance. There really is such impressive length to this wine. For enjoying over the next fifteen years. Drink 2026–2041.

95 points Ken Gargett for Wine Pilot, April 2026

Mulberries, blackberries, black pepper an a meaty undertone on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied with delicate fruit, a juicy and creamy texture and dark fruit flavors. Focused tannins in the finish. Drink or hold.

94 points James Suckling, March 2026

Craggy Range was founded by the Peabody family in 1998 and is one of New Zealand's most admired producers. Ben Tombs took over as Chief Winemaker in 2023, bringing a precision and focus to the wines that has been noted across recent vintages.

Gimblett Gravels is one of New Zealand's most important wine districts. The narrow band of free-draining stony soils was formed by the course of the Ngaruroro River. Craggy Range was among the region's earliest champions, and while this wine sits below the celebrated Le Sol in price, it benefits from the same fundamentals: same estate and the same philosophies and practices in viticulture as well as winemaking,

The 2024 vintage was shaped by a delayed budbreak, a mild spring that tempered yields, and a warm dry summer that extended hang time and concentrated flavour. Fermentation took place across a combination of oak, stainless steel and concrete vats, each contributing a different texture to the final blend. Sixteen months in French and Austrian oak with 22% new before fining and filtering.

Deep purple with a garnet hue, the nose is richly perfumed with purple florals, dark fruits and aniseed with layers of blackberry, cracked pepper and violet. The palate is plush and concentrated with superb balance, finishing long and mineral with a thread of black olive. Powerful yet detailed, and at 13% alcohol, more restrained than the fruit intensity might suggest.

Powerful yet detailed, and at 13% alcohol, more restrained than the fruit intensity might suggest. Worth airing for 30 minutes, especially if opening when still young. A treat with slow cooked meats, try with slow-roasted lamb or Korean braised short ribs.

Drink now through 2036.