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.

This is a very stylish, plump and fleshy pinot that has a sweetly spicy, floral and fragrant nose with ripe red and dark cherries, as well as sappy, forest leaves and gentle, earthy tones. Complex, young and fresh. The palate has such supple and sappy cherries and blueberries with a fresh, tangy line of acidity and a long, polished finish. Impressive. Rating: 97 Points; Nick Stock

A few months ago I tasted and enthused about a barrel sample of this wine and am pleased to report that it is as I remembered it. It has lost a bit of puppy fat perhaps but remains a supremely suave and stylish pinot noir with layers of cherry, berry, violet, five-spice, anise, struck-flint and nutty oak flavours. Fruit sweetness, gentle acidity and fine tannins marry into each other to give the wine a seamless backbone. It defines elegance. I look forward to re-tasting it after a few more years in bottle. Date Tasted: Dec 2021; Drink: 2021 to 2033; Price: $150.00; Alcohol: 14%; Rating: 98 Points; Bob Campbell MW; The Real Review