Gimblett Gravels. Sophia is a blend of merlot (62%), cabernet sauvignon (19%), cabernet franc (18%) and petit verdot (1%). 42% new French oak. They're crowing about the 2013 vintage at Craggy Range. A fine-grained wine. It's as if it's been deep-etched with a fine tip. It's powerfully built, minerally, chocolatey, sluiced with gravel and blackcurrant, and lifted by a variety of florals. Feels both water and alcohol based. 'Sophia' always smells of money; this release does too, but the cash hangs out the top of the wallet, rather than being flashed around. A rumble of tannin leads the flavours into the future. A long termer, without question. Drink 2017 - 2030+

20/20. Dark, deep, near inpenetrable black red colour with youthful purple hues. The nose is sensationally vibrant with powerful and packed aromas of very ripe black berry and black plum fruits along with a subtle cassis layer. The aromatics feature dark red, violet and black florals melded with iron-earth, minerals and tar. This has essence aromas, and the nose is extremely primary in expression, but the varietal detail is already apparent. Medium-full bodied the palate is extremely rich and lusciously succulent with bright, ripe black berried and plum fruits with currants and iron-earth, with lifted florals. Beautiful acidity lends vibrancy and vitality and the mouthfeel is alive with energy and tension. The acidity shows clarity and the palate has drive and linearity. The tannins are powdery and refined, building to provide structure in proportion, balance and harmony. This has underlying power with great elegance. This ‘Sophia’ has remarkable vitality and life, with vibrant primary fruit, great richness and structure. It will age 15+ years. A blend of 62% Merlot, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 18% Cabernet Franc and 1% Petit Verdot from the ‘Gimblett Gravels vineyard, fermented to 13.8% alc., the wine aged 19 months in 42% new French oak barriques.

A classic Right Bank blend dominated by Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It shows exceptional complexity and power with graphite, gravel, violets and blackcurrant. Full, ripe and structured yet retaining elegance, it shows immaculate balance and energy so is ripe for the cellar.

A classic Right Bank blend dominated by Merlot with Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. It shows exceptional complexity and power with graphite, gravel, violets and blackcurrant. Full, ripe and structured yet retaining elegance, it shows immaculate balance and energy so is ripe for the cellar.

This is a stylish, polished red of superb balance and refinement. The bouquet summons dried herbs and blackcurrant. The palate is lush in blackberry, cassis fruit and soft tannins. The fruit ripeness is spot-on. Best at three to 23 years.