2023 Craggy Range Syrah, Hawkes Bay

From the warm, gravelly terraces of Hawkes Bay comes a Syrah that has helped define the modern New Zealand style. Craggy Range was founded in 1998 by Terry and Mary Peabody with a long term vision to craft world class wines from exceptional single sites. In Hawkes Bay, particularly around the Gimblett Gravels and surrounding alluvial soils, Syrah thrives in the combination of warm days, cool nights and free draining river stones. The result is a wine that balances ripe fruit with spice, freshness and structure rather than overt weight.

Deep crimson with purple flashes, the aromatics are immediately expressive. Blackberry, dark plum and red cherry rise from the glass, layered with cracked black pepper, violet and subtle smoked meat notes. There is a distinctive savoury edge and mineral undertone that reflect the stony soils of the region.

On the palate it is medium to full bodied, silky and finely structured. Dark berry fruit forms the core, supported by fine grained tannins and vibrant natural acidity that give energy and length. Notes of olive tapenade, spice and gentle oak weave through the mid palate, leading to a long, peppery finish. It captures the elegance and spice driven personality that have made Hawkes Bay Syrah so compelling on the world stage.

Pair with grilled lamb cutlets, venison, slow braised beef or charred eggplant with herbs. While generous and expressive in its youth, it will cellar confidently for ten to fifteen years, developing further savoury complexity and layered depth.