Darling Estate 2023 King Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

"Offering up a refined aromatic profile of dark cherries and mulberry, a hint of preserve, marjoram, bitter chocolate, and loamy soil; the classic Claret from the King Valley is at once alluring and reserved. Behind the initial appeal there is a latent complexity, bound around a mineral almost saline core which strikes me as interesting given the far from coastal position of the vineyard. The aromatic profile has the barest suggestion of sweet tobacco, perhaps an instinctual reference to the history of the King Valley. The palate is silken and caressing, impossibly elegant for a wine of this price and cool vintage. Fine tannins make their present gradually felt towards the conclusion, gradually mounting in soft insistence until a long finish which has more drive than expected completes the picture. Red cherry preserve, blackberries; soft and dark herbs like bay, sage, and marjoram; baking chocolate and spices; and a hint of dried orange peel. Very fine." — David