Wine Peeps is an independent wine blog dedicated to helping you get the most bang for your buck in wine. We do this through blind tastings of wine from around the world and calculations of 
Craggy Range: Single Vineyard Wines from New Zealand
By Kori ~ February 15th, 2012.
Founded in 1997 by businessman Terry Peabody and Master of Wine Steve Smith, Craggy Range is located in Hawkes Bay on the North Island of New Zealand. Together, Terry and Steve purchased vineyard land, forged partnerships with top grape growers, and chose the location for their winery and fine-dining restaurant, Terroir. Since the beginning, their goal has been to produce quality single-vineyard wines that are an expression of the vineyard’s terroir. Craggy Range is very much a family business with both men’s families playing important roles.
Recently, we had the opportunity to taste their 2011 Sauvignon Blanc and 2011 Chardonnay in a blind samples tasting. While we enjoyed both wines, we thought that the Sauvignon Blanc was excellent. Craggy Range wines are imported by Kobrand Corporation and are distributed nationally.
The Sauvignon Blanc is sourced from Te Muna Road Vineyard in the Martinborough region of New Zealand. Martinborough enjoys a cool climate that is ideal for growing Sauvignon Blanc. The Chardonnay is sourced from Kidnappers Vineyard in the Hawkes Bay region of New Zealand. Located on the Hawkes Bay coastline, this vineyard enjoys warm and sunny weather in the spring and fall and the summer weather is tempered by the cooling sea breeze.
2011 Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc (Martinborough, New Zealand): Pale straw yellow. Aromatic with grapefruit, grass, and lime on both the nose and palate. Dry and medium-bodied with tart acidity. Well-balanced with a long finish.
Quality: 4 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $21.99; Available elsewhere, $15 to $24
2011 Craggy Range Kidnappers Vineyard Chardonnay (Hawkes Bay, New Zealand): Very pale straw yellow. Hay and oak come through on the nose; lemon and apple on the palate. Dry and light to medium-bodied with lively acidity and a long finish.
Quality: 3 stars (out of 5)
QPR: 3 bangs for your buck (out of 5)
Where to buy: Received as sample, suggested retail $21.99; Available elsewhere, $14 to $25
Filed under: Chardonnay, New Zealand Wine, Sauvignon Blanc, White Wine, Wines Under $25
