Paracombe The Reuben 2018

The Reuben has been one of Paracombe’s Drogemuller family’s great vinous treasures for a good decade – here a blend of Merlot, Cabernets Sauvignon and Franc, Malbec and Shiraz – effectively a Bordeaux blend that thrives in Paracombe’s northern Hills plateau conditions. Its first approach is very much a blueberry sense, with French-oak derived woody spice, before dwelling in the mouth with a similar flavour profile, tannins in check and balance with an even trajectory to the finish. It’s always released with several years on the clock, which serves this blend well, here still deliciously vibrant at 7 years old and potentially many more years in such rude health.