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Craggy Range Le Sol Gimblett Gravels Hawke’s Bay Syrah

The evolution of refinement at Craggy Range over the past decade has been something to behold, with vine age permitting harvest at lower sugar ripeness and more sensitive use of oak as a textural element rather than a flavour component. The estate attained a wonderful crescendo in the “cracker” 2013 vintage, and Le Sol is its leading act, an intricately refined and elegant release, yet with understated depth and presence. It announces itself in enticing aromas, at once floral with violet notes, deep in black cherry and black plum fruit and spicy in white pepper. The palate follows, delightfully fine and intricately knit, with beautifully well-structured tannin texture. Elegant, pure and graceful, it’s impeccably balanced now and infused with the integrity, structural confidence, bright acidity and excellent persistence that promise a long future. $95 at Wine Style.