2025 Craggy Range Pinot Noir ($32.99)
Established in 1998, Craggy Range is a family-owned estate that revolutionized New Zealand wine by matching specific grapes to unique terroirs.
This 2025 Craggy Range Pinot Noir is made from over ten distinct clones that were hand-harvested. The grapes were then destemmed (85%) prior to fermentation in a combination of open top stainless steel tanks and French oak using indigenous yeasts. The many different Pinot Noir clones are vinified separately and then blended. The wine ages 7 months in French oak barriques, 15% new, before being fined, coarse filtered and bottled in late 2025.
This Craggy Range Pinot Noir is pale ruby in color with delicate aromas of dark cherry, raspberry and cranberry, with a subtle note of dried herbs. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine has flavors of black and red cherry and strawberry. It has soft tannins that result in a smooth and easy mouth-feel. It finishes with touches of sweet jam.
The 2025 Craggy Range Pinot Noir rivals many of the best Pinot Noirs from California and Oregon. If you are a Pinot lover, I think that you’ll really enjoy this one. It’s affordable and attainable, making it a perfect fit as this week’s Behind the Cork™ Wine of the Week. Cheers!
Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this sample at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Media Sample Provided by Craggy Range Winery via Kobrand Wine and Spirits