Based on the single vineyard philosophy of winemaking, Craggy Range was the first in the Southern Hemisphere to specialise in the production of single vineyard wines from the most prestigious winegrowing regions across New Zealand including Martinborough, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough.

Aroha delivers an intriguing aromatic mix of wooden spices, dried herbs, dark red roses and dark cherries. Complex red and black fruits unfold on the palate with a dusting of lovely fine oak tannin and then fruit and stem tannin provides the structural backbone.  The fruit is grown on a slope of an elevated terrace of fertile land at the Te Muna Road vineyard where an ancient dried river bed delivered nutrient-rich soil producing a style reminiscent of Burgundy. The wine is handmade with passion and truly reflective of the love that has been invested in its making. Deep red in colour it is an intriguing aromatic representation of its unique terroir.

Fragrant, floral pinot noir with cassis, dark cherry, red rose, cacao nib the dominant flavours right now, with many other more subtle characters in support. I love the enlivening acid and tannic structure which gives the wine an exciting energy. Although it can certainly be appreciated now the wine promises to develop even greater complexity with bottle age. Date: May 2023; Alcohol: 13.5%; Drink: 2023-2033; Rating: 98 Points; Bob Campbell MW; The Real Review