Craggy Range Te Muna Road Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc 2023
(Martinborough, New Zealand) - [WS 94, #11 Top 100 of '24] [BC 94] [WE 92] [JS 91]

Click here to see all Wine Spectator Top 100 Wines of 2024 we have in stock—while still available!

About the Winery:
Craggy Range is a family owned winery established in 1997 named by U.S publication Wine Enthusiast magazine as New World Winery of the Year for 2014. It is situated in the shadow of the spectacular Te Mata Peak in the premium wine growing area of Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand. Based on the single vineyard philosophy of winemaking, Craggy Range was the first in the Southern Hemisphere to make single vineyard wines from multiple New Zealand regions with grape varieties matched to place.
 
The grapes, grown in exceptional winery-owned New Zealand estate vineyards in Hawke’s Bay, Martinborough and Marlborough, are selected for their special soils and unique climates producing wines of character, quality and authority.

Winemaker Notes:
Grown on the lower terrace at Te Muna Road, this wine shows a unique level of texture and complexity. The cooler climate of Martinborough ensures the wine is aromatic with steely minerality while the rocky soils gives intensity of the fruit.

Tasting Notes:
Very pale straw. Precision and purity are hallmarks of the 2023 release. Fresh kaffir lime leaf and white floral aromatics. The palate shows an abundance of fruit intensity in tune with the textural elements and crystalline finish that this vineyard is loved for. Sophisticated.

Ratings & Reviews:

94 Points, Rank  #6 Top 10 Values of '24
and Rank #11 Top 100 Wines of '24 - Wine Spectator:
"One of the most impressive Sauvignon Blancs from New Zealand is this single-vineyard planting. Unlike the vast majority of Kiwi Sauvignon Blancs, which hail from the Marlborough region at the northern tip of the South Island, Te Muna is located in Martinborough, at the southern tip of the North Island. The region’s cool climate and intense winds have been optimal for producing muscular Pinot Noirs, yet it turns out these conditions are ideal for Sauvignon Blanc as well, with the grapes’ thick, wind-blown skins adding intensity to the wines. Te Muna is divided into two dramatic terraces, with Pinot Noir growing in the decomposing soils of the upper terrace. But the greywacke stones and limestone on the lower terrace make a better match for Sauvignon Blanc. Since Craggy Range was founded by Terry and Mary Peabody in 1998, the quality of its distinctive wines has only become more impressive. A 1,000-year family trust shows how committed they are to the business.

Fresh and precise, with lime, mango and passion fruit notes that are accented by crunchy sea salt, litsea oil, dried chamomile and fresh lemon zest on a mouthwatering, fleshy frame. Drink now." - MW (Oct 2024)

94 Points - Bob Campbell, MW:
"Green, grassy sauvignon with impressive concentration and a pleasingly rich texture. Like Marlborough sauvignon on steroids. Green capsicum, tomato leaf, saline/ oyster shell and restrained passionfruit flavours."

92 Points - Wine Enthusiast:
"Vibrant lime and tropical fruit are in the lead on this aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, with some subtle jalapeño pepper and herbal nuances tucked beneath. The palate offers lovely textural appeal that tempers the citrusy crunch of acidity. There's nice fruit concentration to the long finish." - Cristina Pickard (July 2024)

91 Points - James Suckling:
"Flowery with aniseed and licorice. Some subtle lemons. Medium to light body, dry, lovely fruit and a subtle and fine finish. Well done for the vintage. Drink now.” (Oct 2023)