Mt. Bera Wild and Free Cabernet Merlot 2023

Just 450 cases made of this most appealing Cab Merlot blend from the Adelaide Hills. Fermentation was in French oak barrels, before maturation for a year and a half in French oak barriques, 20% of them new. Dark maroon/red in colour, we have notes of cigar boxes and tobacco leaves, with blackberries, dried herbs, espresso, licorice and chocolate. Quite a powerful undertow, not immediately apparent at first. Moving to the palate, there is a little more finesse here. A refined style, well balanced, with very good length, silky tannins and bright acidity. Early days but this should drink beautifully for the next decade.