Elderton Ashmead Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

This block of Cabernet was originally planted in the 1940s. It looked a bit grim when the plan was to remove it for higher yielding vines, but the Ashmead family ensured its survival and they reap the rewards today. This is now the 22^nd release of the wine. Maturation was in new and older French oak for a year and a half. The colour here is a deep, dark magenta. A rich and powerful Cabernet from a very fine year. The nose exhibits notes of tobacco leaves, dried herbs, coffee grinds, mocha, licorice and chocolate. Good concentration, the structure offers direction and focus, with power and a firm, long finish. A superbly crafted wine, though the tannins are still quite grippy at this early stage. Drink now and for twelve years, over which period of time there is plenty of room for further improvement.