Craggy Range Martinborough Pinot Noir 2023
Craggy Range produces a collection of iconic wines from grapes grown on exceptional estates in Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough, and Marlborough, with an unrelenting focus on quality. From the stony, warm soils of the Gimblett Gravels in Hawke's Bay to the volcanic, clay soils of Te Muna Road in Martinborough, these exceptional vineyards produce wines with amazing aromatics, purity and complexity.
This wine comes from a selection of Craggy Ranges Estate vines grown on the ancient stony soils of the farmed Martinborough terrace. Individual parcels of Pinot Noir are selected for their varietal purity and unique regional expression to create a vibrant, fruit-driver wine with a beautiful velvet texture for immediate enjoyment.
In 1993, Terry Peabody and his wife Mary embarked on a mission to create a family legacy rooted in their passion for fine wine. Rather than purchasing an established vineyard, they sought out uncharted land, ultimately recognising the exceptional potential of New Zealand. Partnering with renowned viticulturist Steve Smith, they explored the country's finest winegrowing regions to realise their dream.
Their journey led them to the Gimblett Gravels Winegrowing District in Hawke’s Bay, where the warm, stony soils provide the perfect conditions for crafting premium reds such as Syrah and Merlot. They also discovered a spectacular site on Te Muna Road in Martinborough, known for its two distinct terraces. The higher terrace, with its ancient rocky clay soils, is ideal for Pinot Noir, while the younger gravelly soils of the lower terrace—infused with limestone—are perfect for producing an aromatic and minerally Sauvignon Blanc. Over time, Craggy Range wines have earned significant acclaim, including the title of New World Winery of the Year from Wine Enthusiast in 2014. Dedicated to ensuring their legacy endures, Terry Peabody has established a 1,000-year trust for the winery.
Under the leadership of Chief Winemaker Julian Grounds, Craggy Range was named the top winery in the 2023 Real Review, and the highest-ranked New Zealand and Australian winery in the 2022 World's Best Vineyards awards.
The 2023 growing season was marked by a moderate spring, followed by an average ripening season with several significant rain events, including Cyclone Gabrielle. Careful picking and selection were crucial to ensuring the highest quality fruit.
Craggy Range's multi-regional approach to winegrowing allowed them to maintain the integrity of their wines. After recognising the promise of New Zealand’s diverse terroir, the Peabody family selected two key regions for their vineyards: Gimblett Gravels in Hawke’s Bay and Te Muna Road in Martinborough.
The Finer Details
Style - Red Wine
Varietal - Pinot Noir
Country - New Zealand
Region - Martinborough
Vintage - 2023
Bottle Size - 750ml
ABV - 13.5%