Mount Horrocks 2023 Clare Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

"Brimming on first pour with cassis, crushed blackberry, and hints of cherry liqueur, this gorgeous ‘claret’ unfolds layers of marjoram and oregano, steeped black tea, and iron filings, before one finds the ‘centre’ again of black and red fruit. Trimming all of this on the sensorial edges are notes of dried eucalypt, warm red-brown soil, Dutch Cocoa, and baking spices. On the lighter end of medium-bodied, the wine is crisply structured with fine and layered mineral tannins. A long line of acidity carrying carries through the fruit and savoury elements before slightly, and pleasingly, bitter phenolics akin to plum and cherry skin kick in to shape the conclusion to a fine point. Black and red cherries, dry brown spice, balsam notes, and herbal touches akin to marjoram and oregano abound. Crushed slate minerality on the close. Very fine claret." — David