Craggy Range Te Kahu 2020 is a Merlot-dominant Bordeaux blend from the Gimblett Gravels. Deep crimson in color, it opens with aromas of cassis, black cherry, graphite, and dried tobacco. The palate is rich yet composed, framed by fine, dusty tannins and a mineral edge. Notes of dark plum and blue fruits lead to a long, dry finish. A refined, age-worthy wine with vibrancy and structure.

JamesSuckling.com | JS 94
Published: Sep 27, 2022

Inviting aromas of sliced plums, black cherries, graphite and lead pencil. Medium- to full-bodied with silky, structured tannins. Linear on the palate, with crushed stone minerality giving definition and freshness to the black fruit. Vibrant and bright. This can age but is already so attractive now. 69% merlot, 13% cabernet sauvignon, 10% cabernet franc, 4% malbec and 4% petit verdot. Drink or hold. Screw cap.

The Wine Advocate | RP 91
Published: Feb 22, 2024
Drink: 2024-2034

The 2020 Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels Vineyard is Merlot dominant, with contributions from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Aromatically, the wine is plush and ripe, with luscious dark berry flavors bolstered by the rocky/graphite character that comes from the gravels. In the mouth, the wine is mineral and far lighter than the bouquet would indicate, with a dusty tannin profile that shapes the finish particularly. Classy wine. 14.1% alcohol, sealed under screw cap.

Craggyrange.com

Te Kahu means 'The Cloak' in Te Reo Maori and refers to the mist that envelops our giants winery in the Tuki Tuki Valley.
Legend has it that this mist was used to protect a mythical Maori maiden from the sun as she visited her lover Te Mata.
Vibrant deep garnet colour. Enticing aromas of dark plums and cassis meld with those of nutmeg, tobacco and sandalwood in a classically composed nose. The palate is rich and yet quietly composed, with layers of flavour and tannin linked by fine acidity and the refined dusty tannins of the gravels. Finishes dry and long.

2020 Tasting Notes

Deepest crimson red. Brooding aromatically with notes of cassis, black olive and dried tobacco enveloping a dense core of blue fruits. The wine has a lovely focus on the palate with dark fruits framed by fine tannins to deliver a classical structure with an excellent future ahead.

Food Match: Braised lamb

Recommended Cellaring: 1 to 10 years from vintage

Variety: 69% Merlot, 13%Cabernet Sauvignon,  10% Cabernet Franc, 4% Petit Verdot, 4% Malbec

Vintage Detail: Warm and dry from Christmas onwards. Exceptional.

Brix: 24.1 average

Production Level: 55 hl/ha average

Hand Harvested: 20%

Whole Bunch: 0%

Destemmed: 100%

Fermentation Vessel: Closed top stainless steel tanks

Fermentation: Inoculated