Barnard Griffin Cabernet-Merlot (75cl, 13.7%)

Barnard Griffin Cabernet-Merlot is a Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant red blend from Columbia Valley, Washington State, bottled at 13.7% ABV in a 750ml format. Barnard Griffin Winery was founded in 1983 by Deborah Barnard and Rob Griffin. The blend sources fruit from Black Rock Vineyard, Sagemoor Vineyard and Red Heaven Vineyard. It undergoes full malolactic fermentation with pump-overs twice daily during primary fermentation, then ages for 19 months in French oak barrels, 30% of which are new. The nose has dark plum, blueberry, rose petals, dark chocolate, crushed brick dust, vanilla and toasted oak. The palate brings black cherry and currant, black tea, cinnamon, light herbal notes, Merlot softness and a whisper of red pepper and spice from Syrah. The finish is sleek and persistent, with refined tannins, tobacco, clove and lingering dark fruit.