Craggy Range
Craggy Range Les Beaux Cailloux Chardonnay
White wine
4.6
Expert Rating
4.5
Sometimes Reviewed
WINE DESCRIPTION
Craggy Range, a renowned winery in Hawke's Bay, New Zealand, is celebrated for its exceptional wines and commitment to quality. The Craggy Range Les Beaux Cailloux Chardonnay is crafted from a single block of Chardonnay grapes grown in the esteemed Gimblett Gravels appellation. The vineyard's unique stony soils impart a distinctive mineral quality to the wine. The winemaking process involves fermentation with wild yeasts in barriques, followed by several months of aging with 100% malolactic fermentation. This meticulous approach preserves the fruit’s natural flavors while enhancing complexity. The result is a Chardonnay with a lovely nose of crushed almond, oatmeal, pear, melon, and lemon meringue pie. On the palate, it is both racy and concentrated, featuring nutty notes, bright and juicy orange, and a rich, textured fruit concentration. The finished wine is elegant and well-structured, reflecting the region's terroir and Craggy Range's dedication to producing some of New Zealand's finest Chardonnays.
NOTES FROM VINOVOSS SOMMELIER
The Craggy Range Les Beaux Cailloux Chardonnay presents a very pale straw color.The nose is beautifully aromatic, offering delicate notes of ripe peach, honey-roasted nuts, and lemon blossom. On the palate, this Chardonnay is both lithe and long, with a mid-palate richness that is balanced by fine acidity and a lovely textural seam. The flavors evolve with hints of lightly cooked apple, dried pear, and stone fruit, complemented by a touch of toasty notes and butter. Medium-bodied and well-structured, it combines grace and concentration, making it a racy and refined Chardonnay that can be enjoyed now or over the next few years.
EXPERT RATING
4.6
DRINKING WINDOW
Now
2042
Profile
Sweetness:
Dry
Dry
Lusciously Sweet
Alcohol:
High
Very Low Alcohol
Very High
Intensity:
Fragrant
Subtle
Powerful
Body:
Generous
Light Bodied
Full Bodied
Acidity:
Lean
Soft
Crisp
Tannin:
No tannin
No Tannin
Grippy
GRAPES (1)
Chardonnay
ORIGINS
Winery: Craggy Range
Region: Hawke's Bay
Hawke's Bay is a wine region located on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island. It is the second largest wine region in New Zealand, known for producing high-quality red wines, particularly Bordeaux-style blends and Syrah. The region has a long history of winemaking, with the first vines planted in the mid-19th century by French missionaries. Today, Hawke's Bay is home to over 70 wineries and is a popular destination for wine tourism.CUSTOMER RATING
4.5
0 Review