The 2024 Craggy Range Gimblett Gravels Syrah is a refined Hawke’s Bay Syrah that highlights the distinctive character of New Zealand’s Gimblett Gravels wine-growing district. Produced from the region’s stony, free-draining soils, the wine reflects Craggy Range’s long focus on Syrah as one of the estate’s signature varieties. The nose is intensely aromatic and layered, revealing notes of blackberry, mulberry and dark cherry alongside cracked black pepper, violet, lavender and subtle savoury spice.
On the palate, it is medium-bodied with fine-grained tannins and vibrant acidity creating both freshness and structure. Flavours of dark berry fruit, plum and black olive are supported by graphite-like minerality, floral lift and restrained oak influence from maturation in French and Austrian oak. The texture remains polished and poised throughout, balancing concentration with elegance rather than overt richness. Extended hangtime during the warm 2024 growing season helped develop depth and complexity while preserving the wine’s hallmark freshness and pepper-driven character. The finish is long, savoury and persistent with lingering spice and mineral detail.
Ben’s Recommendation: At Wine More Cellars, this Gimblett Gravels Syrah is an excellent choice for customers who enjoy cooler-climate Syrah styles with floral aromatics, pepper spice and fine structure rather than heavily extracted reds. Particularly well suited to roast lamb, venison, chargrilled beef or mushroom-based dishes. Drinking beautifully now with some decanting, though the wine’s balance and tannin profile will reward careful cellaring over the next 8–15 years.
