2020 Craggy Range "Sophia-Gimblett Gravels" Hawke's Bay Red Blend

95 Points from Decanter Magazine: "Complex, youthful and seductive bouquet with a core of ripe Doris plums and smoky black olive, blackcurrant and baked berries are laced with vanilla and clove scents from barrel and wood smoke. Youthful, complex, ripe and engaging. Delicious on the palate with weight and a youthful intensity, firm tannins and strong acid line. The soft and sweet ness from the Merlot ushers in the darker berry fruit flavours and dried herb qualities from the cabernets. A strong structure, plenty of new oak flavours with ripe fruit at the core this wine will age well." (8/18/2022)

94 Points from Vinous: "The 2020 Sophia is eminently satisfying. This Merlot-leading blend blossoms with ease in the mouth with its succulent texture. It's a very complete wine with the two Cabernet varieties making up two-fifths of the wine and adding their purposeful structure and piquant lift in the form of violets, spice and cassis. There's clearly low yields here as evidenced by the rich aromatics and flavor concentration. An abundance of integral tannins and freshness of acidity create a satisfying frame." (1/2023)

94 Points from Wine Enthusiast Magazine: "This Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend opens with fragrant notes of black currant juice and blackberry jam. Sweet mocha, ground pepper, beetroot and violets add layers of perfume. The palate is full-figured but linear, pulsing with concentrated dark fruit and sculpted, highly textural tannins. The oak is better tucked than in previous vintages." (5/1/23)

92 Points from Wine Spectator: "Spicy, showing details of nutmeg and cumin that complement the chocolate-covered cherry, spiced plum and tobacco flavors, with a fresh juiciness and plush tannins. Long, mocha-laced finish. Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Drink now through 2032. 10 cases imported." (5/31/23)

92 Points from Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: "Sophia is the Merlot-dominant blend that includes varying proportions of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc, depending on the season. In 2020, the wine comprises 60% Merlot, 21% Cabernet Franc and 19% Cabernet Sauvignon. On the nose, the 2020 Sophia is laden with garden mint, mulberry coulis, red apple skins, poached rhubarb and a hint of arnica root. In the mouth, the wine is textural, plush and full. It has a mulch, green, garden-derived character that works in tandem with the tannins. It's an elegant, engaging and enveloping wine. 14% alcohol, sealed under screw cap." (9/21/23)