Château Haut Tayac 2018 Margaux (75cl, 12.5%)

A Cabernet Sauvignon-dominant Margaux red blend from Château Haut Tayac, bottled at 12.5% ABV. Fruit comes from a roughly 90-acre vineyard estate in the northern reaches of the Margaux appellation, with fermentation in cement and stainless steel tanks followed by 10 to 12 months in French oak barrels, about 35% new. The nose opens with toasted oak and ripe red fruits, then violets, blueberries and cassis, with herbal and earthy notes, cocoa and spice. The palate is dense and focused with medium body, fresh blackberry and plum, sappy weight, layered herbal flavours, firm tannins and balanced acidity. The finish is medium to long with lingering black fruit, spice and fine ripe tannins.