Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Sophia 2002 Hawk's Bay Merlot Cabernet Franc Blend

Young, high alcohol, low tannins.   Cab Franc has a distinctive taste, similar to a young Merlot -- so they make good blending partners...  Craggy Range, which specializes in producing single vineyard wines, is smart to have a bottling that features Cab Franc.

The wine spent 12-18 months in French Oak.

$36; 89 points

Bottom Line:  An interesting wine, but not a great value.