Nightfall The Balance Dry Red 2019

Part of the exquisitely packaged Nightfall range of Coonawarra crackers, this is the blend – the rest being straight varietals. A combo of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. So much to like here. For what it is worth, this is the only member of the range under screwcap. The rest under diam and the Draco even has one of those wax coverings. Each of the three varieties here was harvested discretely and then fermented separately in small stainless steel vessels. Twice daily pumpovers before pressing into a mix of French and American oak, 20% of the latter new. The individual parcels were then matured for 20 months in selected barrels. Inky dark magenta, this is youthful with coiled power and serious concentration. Notes of blackberries, chocolate, a handful of warm earth, some oak, a hint of vanilla and mint and bay leaves. Toss a hint of leafiness into the mix too. Seamless with good, vibrant acidity and cashmere tannins. Notes of axle grease (which I mean in the most positive sense) and coffee beans emerge on the finish. It will cellar for ten years without a problem and is delicious.