Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Syrah 2020

Drink now or cellar for up to 11 years. No need to decant before serving. Craggy Range is one of New Zealand’s top small wineries and a pioneer in the Gimblett Gravels region of Hawkes Bay. Until the 1990s the area was owned by cement and gravel companies who wanted to mine it. It was only after a legal battle that a handful of local winemakers were able to get the area zoned for viticulture, and the true winemaking potential of the area could be explored. This punchy Syrah is the perfect expression of the Gimblett Gravels terroir where the warm and dry microclimate combines with stony, well-draining soils. These conditions put pressure on the vines, creating intensely-flavoured Syrah grapes which have plenty of colour and a distinctive peppery spice. The vineyard used for this particular example is planted with a heritage Syrah clone which was originally brought to New Zealand in the 1840s. Once in the winery the grapes are fermented using indigenous yeasts in open top stainless steel tanks. The young wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 17 months, creating a powerful yet graceful red with an inky purple hue and intense aromatics of violets, lavender and maraschino cherries. On the palate there’s a luscious mouthfeel and full body along with well-rounded tannins and a long peppery finish with hints of graphite and leather. A great red to pair with herby roasted lamb or even squid ink linguine.

Price: £21.89 from 8wines UK