Mitolo Serpico Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Named in honour of the infamous no-nonsense New York detective, the Mitolo crew have gone similarly rogue (in a good way) with this Cabernet, employing the Appassimento method of harvesting the fruit then slowly drying out the berries on racks over several weeks to concentrate the aromas and flavours, and as they note, softening the usual varietal tannin coating. The wine is matured for 2 years in a fair bit of new French oak, before a critical barrel selection is made. The result is a unique expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, compacted aromatics become like powdered herb, part tarragon, part spearmint, part lavender, with flavours like sweet dried berries. The tannin feels quite fine and dusted. Fascinating and delicious in its own most individual way.