Craggy Range Hawkes Bay Rose 2023

Product Information: This delicate, rose-tinted Rosé is 100% Merlot—an unexpected yet delightful surprise. Grown in Craggy Range’s Hawke’s Bay vineyards, the fruit is carefully selected for balanced flavour and freshness. The grapes are gently pressed to ensure precise extraction of both colour and flavour. The bouquet is fragrant with notes of orange blossom, wild strawberry, and fresh lavender. On the palate, it’s refreshing and irresistible, with sweet berry fruit harmonising perfectly with a vibrant, textural acidity. The finish is long and dry, leaving you wanting that next sip. Made from 100% destemmed fruit and using only the free-run juice, this Rosé focuses on purity and freshness. It is fermented in stainless steel tanks to preserve its bright fruit flavours and perfume. Inoculated fermentation ensures consistency and reliability in every bottle. After three months of maturation, the wine is fined and filtered, achieving its elegant pale salmon/rosy hue. Maker: In 1993, Terry Peabody and his wife Mary embarked on a mission to create a family legacy rooted in their passion for fine wine. Rather than purchasing an established vineyard, they sought out uncharted land, ultimately recognising the exceptional potential of New Zealand. Partnering with renowned viticulturist Steve Smith, they explored the country’s finest wine growing regions to realise their dream. Their journey led them to the Gimblett Gravels Wine growing District in Hawke’s Bay, where the warm, stony soils provide the perfect conditions for crafting premium reds such as Syrah and Merlot. They also discovered a spectacular site on Te Muna Road in Martinborough, known for its two distinct terraces. The higher terrace, with its ancient rocky clay soils, is ideal for Pinot Noir, while the younger gravelly soils of the lower terrace—infused with limestone—are perfect for producing an aromatic and minerally Sauvignon Blanc. Over time, Craggy Range wines have earned significant acclaim, including the title of New World Winery of the Year from Wine Enthusiast in 2014. Dedicated to ensuring their legacy endures, Terry Peabody has established a 1,000-year trust for the winery. Under the leadership of Chief Winemaker Julian Grounds, Craggy Range was named the top winery in the 2023 Real Review, and the highest-ranked New Zealand and Australian winery in the 2022 World’s Best Vineyards awards. Vineyard: The 2023 growing season was marked by a moderate spring, followed by an average ripening season with several significant rain events, including Cyclone Gabrielle. Careful picking and selection were crucial to ensuring the highest quality fruit. Craggy Range’s multi-regional approach to wine growing allowed them to maintain the integrity of their wines. After recognising the promise of New Zealand’s diverse terroir, the Peabody family selected two key regions for their vineyards: Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay and Te Muna Road in Martinborough. Gimblett Gravels is a warm region known for its gravelly soils, formed when the Ngaruroro River changed its course after a flood in 1876, leaving behind a unique landscape of gravel, stone, and sandy alluvial soils. These conditions, along with abundant sunshine and the gravel’s ability to retain heat, create optimal ripening conditions for varieties such as Syrah, Merlot, and Cabernet. The red wines from this vineyard are renowned for their richness, ripeness, and elegance, often finishing with fine, dusty tannins. Chardonnay from this site also displays distinctive floral notes and a pronounced minerality on the palate. Nose – Orange Blossom, Wild Strawberry, Fresh Lavender Fragrant orange blossom, wild strawberry and fresh lavender all are prominent on the bouquet. Palate – Satin Smooth, Fleshy Red Berry Fruits, Cream Raspberry, red apple and cherry flavours together with a seasoning of subtle spices supported by mouth-watering. Finish – Subtle Spices, Fruity Acidity, Dry Finish Fruity acidity that leaves a satisfyingly dry finish The Finer Details Style – Rosé Varietal – Merlot Country – New Zealand Region – Hawke’s Bay Vintage – 2023 Bottle Size – 750ml ABV – 12.5%