Picardy Merlot Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2018

The vines are dry grown, cane pruned and handpicked, low yields are encouraged. In the winery the grapes are firstly destemmed, then transferred into small open fermenters to be hand plunged four times a day. This wine is then matured for 12 months in specially imported new to four year old small French oak barriques. Juicy red berries and mid- weight, plump fruit define the introduction to this wine. Sweet cocoa, raspberry, dark chocolate, sea salt, pomegranate and field strawberries are the notes, played in harmony and sync with the exotic market spice (star anise, aniseed and pink peppercorn). While this is succulent, it has a restrained leanness that balances out the fruit; the acidity is couched just behind the teeth and adds a subtle lift and chew to proceedings. This is a wonderful wine, all the more so through the lens of this glorious vintage. Ripe, balanced, supple and harmonious, and sure to offer a comfortable future ahead should that be the path that you choose. A great match for braised venison or lamb stew. – Winemaker’s Notes