Howard Park Scotsdale Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Blackcurrant, gentle bell pepper and bay leaf lift from the glass on first smell. Sweet spice to follow in the form of cardamom and cinnamon, with some graphite and nori salt to follow. It’s elegant, complex and charming straight off the bat. Very good. The palate is medium bodied, intense and elegant, with graphite and mocha dancing around a core of blackberry and plum. The finish is wrapped up in firm, gravelly tannins and freshening acidity to a long, poised and mocha-laced close. Excellent balance, elegance and complexity on show here, with sound structure to go the distance in cellar. A great release.