Craggy Range 'Te Kahu' Gimblett Gravels Red 2019/21
The Craggy Range 'Te Kahu' Gimblett Gravels Red is a Bordeaux inspired blend of Merlot (49%), Cabernet Sauvignon (34%), Cabernet Franc (12%), Malbec (3%) and Petit Verdot (2%). At the winery, fermentation took place in closed top stainless-steel tanks, with selected yeasts. Maturation lasted for 16 months in oak barriques, of which 18% were new. The wine displays concentrated aromas of cassis, black olive and dried tobacco that leads to a palate of great energy, with red fruits and liquorice framed by dark chocolate laced tannins. Te Kahu means 'the cloak' in te reo Maori and refers to the mist that envelops Giants Winery in the Tukituki 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.