Allegiance Wines The Artisan Reserve Coonawarra Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

The fruit has been harvested from a single vineyard in the northern part of Coonawarra. The wine saw an intriguing mix of oak, for a period of a year and a half. 92% hogsheads and the remaining 8% barriques, 29% was second fill and 57% third fill, while the remaining 14% was older French oak. It works. Opaque magenta, the nose sees immediate notes of chocolate to the fore. This is supported by hints of licorice and mint. There is good intensity throughout and, over the journey, we see the emergence of cassis, blackberries, coffee beans and bay leaves. There is focus, balance and a good future here. Enjoy it for at least the next ten to twelve years. Lots to like here.