Craggy Range - Gimblett Gravels - Syrah

Craggy Range is a renowned winery located in the Gimblett Gravels region of New Zealand. The winery is known for producing some of the finest Syrah wines in the world. The Gimblett Gravels region is a unique terroir that is characterized by its stony soils, which are ideal for growing Syrah grapes. The history of Craggy Range dates back to 1993 when Terry Peabody, an American businessman, purchased a 1000-acre property in the Gimblett Gravels region. The property was originally used for grazing sheep, but Peabody saw the potential for growing grapes in the region. He hired Steve Smith, a renowned winemaker, to help him establish a winery on the property. The first vintage of Craggy Range Syrah was produced in 1999, and it quickly gained a reputation for its quality. The winery has since expanded its range of wines to include other varietals such as Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Sauvignon Blanc, but it is the Syrah that remains the flagship wine of the winery. The style of production at Craggy Range is focused on producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Gimblett Gravels region. The winery uses sustainable farming practices and minimal intervention in the winemaking process to allow the grapes to express their natural character. The Syrah grapes are hand-harvested and carefully sorted before being fermented in small batches. The wine is then aged in French oak barrels for up to 18 months before being bottled. The Craggy Range Syrah is a full-bodied wine with intense aromas of blackberry, black pepper, and spice. On the palate, the wine is rich and complex with flavors of dark fruit, chocolate, and tobacco. The tannins are firm but well-integrated, giving the wine a long and elegant finish. Overall, Craggy Range is a winery that is dedicated to producing wines of exceptional quality that reflect the unique terroir of the Gimblett Gravels region. The Syrah is a standout wine that is sure to impress even the most discerning wine connoisseur.