Luminosa Single Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Winemaker, Luke Joliffe, is just a little excited by this wine or possibly more excited than usual. It is the first Luminosa introduced to maturation in large foudre and, with it comes some lovely balanced acidity. Can we necessarily point to the role of the foudre as a big quality factor? It’s actually not essential. Luminosa, year in year out, represents the top of the Cabernet tree for the maker, and the 2023 is no different. Deep, dense purple hues. Aromas dusty and earthy, in beautifully lifted aromatic violet, peppery spice, jalapeño, black fruits and herbals. Strong in regional Cabernet flavours with a palate that is taut and well composed in fine, dense tannins. It must be said that it displays the usual degree of good, solid structure and the intent is that we will all show some patience and give this wine the time it deserves. A towering, Empire State-like wine with a middle palate of pure velvet but it is still early days. It has so much more potential in-built and budding.