Barnard Griffin Cabernet Sauvignon (75cl, 13.7%)

A Columbia Valley, Washington red wine blending 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot and 8% Syrah, at 13.7% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The 2021 vintage earned 92 points from Wine Spectator and placed #32 on their Top 100 Wines of 2024 list. Barnard Griffin was founded in 1983 by Rob Griffin and Deborah Barnard. Fruit comes from Black Rock Vineyard, Sagemoor Vineyard and Red Heaven Vineyard, producing roughly 8,000 cases annually. The wine ages for 19 months, 30% in French oak barriques and 70% in oak tanks. Aroma leads with dark plum and blueberry, layered with rose petal, dark chocolate and crushed brick dust, plus vanilla and toasted oak. The palate is lush, with black cherry, dark raspberry, black currant, cinnamon, almond toffee and orange peel. The finish is medium-long, with tobacco, black tea and baking spice.