Burgess Contadina Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 (75cl, 14.5%)

Burgess Contadina Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 is a Napa Valley red wine built on 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, bottled at 14.5% ABV. It was awarded 92 points by Vinous and draws character from the historic Sorenson Vineyard, where vines planted as far back as 1872 root into volcanic ash soils at elevations between 800 and 1,000 feet. The blend comprises 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec, fermented with native yeast under a minimal-intervention philosophy. The volcanic ash soils and elevation contribute natural acidity and mineral tension, while Petit Verdot and Malbec add colour density and mid-palate weight. The nose shows black olive, bay leaf, mint, sage, sweet tobacco, blackberry and cassis, with subtle cedar. The palate is dense and ripe with black currant, dark cherry, plum, blueberry, baking spice, scorched earth and licorice. The finish is long and structured, with dark chocolate, tar, dried herbs and fine-grained tannins.