2006 Craggy Range Gimblet Gravels Merlot.  Obvious to the naked eye, we can see the style of Craggy’s red wines evolve away from the highly extracted and concentrate wines of the past to a slightly more relaxed and sophisticated offerings noted in the 2005 and now 2006 vintages.  In some ways I have seen this as a bit disappointing in the context of the NZ wine scene as they did offer something unique and the cellar potential of these wines were I think huge.  However that said a sit down tasting tonight opens my eyes to the phenomenal job Craggy Range has done with their red wines.  The 2006 vintage definitely has something to it. Weighing in with 15% Cabernet Franc to help out the 85% Merlot.

Dark ruby in the glass. The nose offers up doris plums, liquorice, and fruit cake spice. The palate explodes with flavour awash with doris plums, mixed spice and dark chocolate. It its juicy and vita. The whole experience finishes with dry powdery tannins and a dark cocoa finish. It should integrate and fatten out further with some bottle age.  Perfect level of ripeness.  I can imagine this wine pairs perfectly with venison or eye fillet cooked as little as you dare. It doesn’t show quite the finesse of the super premium Sophia, but hey this wine half the price!  The Gimblet gravels Merlot is a perfect wine for that next step up from a mid teens quaffer. Perfect for a special dinner with friends.  95/109