Oakridge 864 Winery Block Oakridge Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

Once or twice in the past, I have wondered whether or not the top Oakridge wines were simply too perfect, too correct, and perhaps lacking a fraction of soul. I can only assume that I must have been having a senior moment, well before they are due. James Brown would be proud of the soul in these wines. All of the grapes here are destemmed and after fermentation, the wine spends fifteen months maturing in French oak barrels, 35% new. Dark purple/maroon in colour, there are intense notes on the nose. There is good oak integration but we also have some briary characters, tobacco leaves, a touch of earth, cloves, black fruits and charcuterie. There is a lovely aroma of cigar boxes as well, think Cohiba Siglo VI. Supple and silky in texture, there is impressive length and immaculate balance. On the palate we see notes of cassis, mocha and coffee beans emerging. Have no fear of cellaring this for at least twenty years.