Craggy Range Syrah, Gimblett Gravels Vineyard 2021

Deep red with a purple hue. Tremendous aromatic lift, with lavender and sweet cherries rising from the glass. The palate has significant density but a perfect balance that already encourages drinking. Again, so much energy in the 2021 wines but also a concentration due to the low yields. Delightful.

Gimblett Gravels, a winegrowing district in Hawke’s Bay, is situated on the ancient Ngaruroro River bed, exposed for viticulture since its course change in 1867. The stony soil, with greywacke stones, silt, and sand, enhances vine ripening by absorbing and radiating heat. This structure allows rapid drainage, controlling vine growth with low fertility for moderate vigour. Precise management is crucial, offering the potential for rich, ripe red wines with a distinctive 'Gimblett Dust' character. Despite being warm by New Zealand standards, the area's low altitude and proximity to the sea create a temperate maritime climate, retaining fruit aromatics due to the lack of excessive heat.

Brix 22.8 average Production Level 28 hl/ha Vintage Detail A very warm spring brought forward the growing season. Summer was mild but with minimal rain days, producing low yields. The result was near-perfect ripening conditions for Syrah. Hand Harvested 50 %

Whole Bunch 10 % Destemmed 90 % Fermentation vessel - Combination ofOpen top stainless fermenters and open top oak cuve Fermentation Indigenous Barrel Type French oak barriques New Barrel % 23 % Maturation 15 months Fining Yes Filtration Yes Coarse Bottled Nov-22