Luna by Chalk Hill Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

As the label implies, the colour is deep, like the middle of a still, wintery night. A pungent, vegetal character leads the nose, followed by macerated blackcurrants, black cherries, prunes, and savoury notes of cracked black pepper, tobacco, and cedar. That same vegetal pungency carries through to the palate, dominating the opening. Tannins build slowly but feel chunky and assertive, while the acidity flows through in a restrained, almost understated manner. At this stage, it’s all about the pungency and structure. A medium-bodied wine, standing firmly in its prime.