“Aging gracefully over time” 92+ Points – Erin Larkin | Robert Parker Wine Advocate

The 2019 Crayeres Vineyard Reserve leads with a distinct nose, with licorice oak, a hint of dark chocolate and pine resin, caramel and aniseed. Behind it is a cavalcade of cassis and black cherry, violets and blueberries, graphite and black tea. The cépage comprises 62% Cabernet Sauvignon, 19% Shiraz and 19% Cabernet Franc, and each variety is evident on the palate. The oak plays a more assertive role
aromatically than it does in the mouth; the wine was initially matured for seven months in 100% new French oak before being moved to a single, old French foudre for a year. The wine was then bottled sans
fining and filtration, where it stayed for a further year prior to release.
So, it seems the first round in oak was an impactful period of this wine’s life. All structural signs point toward this wine aging gracefully over time. Patience.

14.5% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.