Craggy Range Sophia 2024

The 2024 followed two weather-challenged North Island vintages. Dry conditions and very low yields gave concentrated fruit. Each block was matured separately in French oak, then the wine was blended and returned to oak for a further six months.

In the glass it shows blackcurrant and dark plum with mocha and vanilla, then a firm, mineral finish with cedar. The tannins are fine and grainy, and one critic called it a singular claret style. It can be opened now with some air, but it is built for the long haul, with a drinking window of around twenty years. Decant it an hour ahead and serve it with a rib of beef, roast lamb with rosemary or a slow-cooked oxtail. A dish with savoury depth suits its structure.