Bob Campbell is one of only 264 Masters of Wine in the world. An international wine judge, Bob judges wine professionally in ten countries and contributes regularly to publications around the world. His specialty is New Zealand wine which he reviews from an international perspective.

Craggy Range Les Beaux Cailloux Hawke's Bay NZ Chardonnay 2006

Copyright © 2012 Bob Campbell, Master of Wine. Republishing Info.

94/100 55

I’ve always been impressed with Craggy Range’s flagship Chardonnay but this is clearly the best yet. While earlier vintages have been complex and exciting they’ve also been a bit tough. This hand-picked whole-bunch-pressed wine was fermented, using indigenous yeasts, in French oak barriques (70% new) before 16 months maturation in barrel. A dry and powerful wine with appealing nutty, mealy characters adding extra interest to intense citrus fruit flavours.

Tasted: Jun 2008   Closure: S'cap    Average price: NZD $65 (~USD $55)

The above price is the estimated retail price given by the wine maker when it was submitted for review. It may not reflect the actual current market price.
USD pricing is a simple currency conversion from NZD and may not reflect the actual US retail pricing.

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These comments come straight from Bob's unedited tasting notes database. If you notice a spelling error or other problem on this page, please contact us so we can correct it.