Craggy Range’s 2021 Te Kahu is a polished and expressive Bordeaux-style blend from the renowned Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay. Deeply hued and aromatically layered, it showcases a core of cassis, dark plum, and dried tobacco, underpinned by fine tannins and a mineral-driven structure. Balancing power with poise, this Merlot-led blend is a compelling reflection of place and vintage, with excellent cellaring potential.

JamesSuckling.com | JS 93
Published: Oct 22, 2023

Perfumed and pretty with currants and black berries as well as hints of cedar. Medium-bodied with fine chewy tannins and a fresh and beautiful finish. A blend of merlot, cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, malbec and petit verdot. Give it three or four years to come together but already pretty. Screw cap.

The Wine Advocate | RP 92
Published: Jan 23, 2025
Drink: 2024-2035

The 2021 Te Kahu Gimblett Gravels Vineyard is structurally firm and yet populated by a flow of silky red fruit. In the mouth, the acidity and tannins are so finely intertwined that it is hard to feel where one stops and the other begins. This is a blend of 49% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot. It is an elegant wine that speaks clearly of its place, in its austere tannins and lean mineral finish. 14% 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.

2021 Tasting Notes

Deepest crimson red with a purple hue. Concentrated nose, with notes of cassis, black olive and dried tobacco leading the bouquet. The wine has a lovely energy amplifying the red fruits and liquorice characters framed by dark chocolate laced tannins delivering a classical structure – a perfect example of a Bordeaux style blend from the Gimblett Gravels, with an excellent future ahead.

Food Match: Braised lamb

Recommended Cellaring: 10+ years from vintage

Variety
49% Merlot, 34% Cabernet Sauvignon,  12% Cabernet Franc, 2% Petit Verdot, 3% Malbec

Vintage Detail
A very warm spring brought forward the growing season. A mild summer but with minimal rain days, producing low yields.

Brix
23.6 average

Production Level
54 hl/ha average

Hand Harvested
30%

Whole Bunch: 0%

Destemmed: 100%

Fermentation Vessel: Closed top stainless steel tanks

Fermentation: Inoculated