Craggy Range Sophia Merlot Cabernet Franc Hawke's Bay GI

Hawke's Bay GI, New Zealand

Named in honour of Sophia Peabody, this Bordeaux blend from the Gimblett Gravels is Craggy Range's other flagship red. Merlot-led with Cabernet Franc and Malbec; aged 18 months in French oak (40% new). Cassis, plum, cedar, graphite, and tobacco with a structured, long finish. A serious, age-worthy expression of the Gimblett Gravels terroir.

Pairing intelligence

• main: The wine's herbaceous Cabernet Franc character and dark fruit structure is the classic Bordeaux-lamb combination applied to New Zealand's terroir; a pitch-perfect match.
• main: Hawke's Bay Cabernet-Merlot's graphite-plum complexity complements venison's gaminess; the blackberry reduction mirrors the wine's fruit profile.