Aramis Vineyard Collector Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 

A dark shadowy restaurant, enclosed in cedar and willowy candlelight; an old school steakhouse would set the scene for this wine for its moody and ponderous style with black cherries, Assam tea and dried herbs of a bouquet garni. A hint of blueberry and whiffs of brandy and tobacco. The wine melts on the palate with cinnamon quill, rosehip and dried red chilli flakes. Tannins are well integrated and acidity is supple and fresh. This is in its ideal drinking window, yet it could cellar further but I think you’d miss the silky nature of swirling red and black fruit, as it steps back to allow for tertiary notes to come through. For now it’s memorable for lasting flavours of Bing cherries and plums and a seamless integration of herbs and spiced oak. Take a step back in time and order the sirloin, blooming onion and cherries jubilee for dessert. This wine will take you places you have almost forgotten you like to go.