2014 ‘Brad’ Cabernet Merlot

Both the Cabernet and Merlot portions were sourced from single vineyard blocks on the far eastern edge of the Wallcliffe sub-region (Rosa Brook).

Open-fermented in stainless vats, pressed into aged and new French oak. Racked only once post-malo, unfined, lightly filtered.

Vibrant black/red colour. On the nose dark mint chocolate leaps from the glass, tobacco leaf, mocha and cedary oak. Dense and chewy blackcurrant aromas join spicy plum, coconut and star anise. A potpourri of exotics.

The palate shows satsuma plum and eastern spices. The creamy mouthfeel is generous and inviting, soft acid and gentle tannin assisting. Briary red/black-fruits to lead to a long finish.

There’s nothing better than rich, dark chocolate and dense blackcurrant with a touch of mint rounded out by some stylish French oak. Add a touch of red-berried Merlot to flesh it out and cabernet merlot by brad is hard to beat.