Luigi Bosca Cabernet Sauvignon Reserva (75cl, 14.4%)

An Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon from Maipú, Mendoza, made by Bodega Luigi Bosca from fruit grown in the east-facing El Paraíso vineyard, where vines average 45 years of age at about 780 metres elevation. The grapes are hand-harvested, fermented in stainless steel tanks, then matured for 14 months in new French oak barrels. It is bottled at 14.4% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The vintage is 2017. The nose opens with blackcurrant, blackberry, cassis, mocha and vanilla, with cedar, woodsmoke and incense-like spice. The palate is dense and fruit-forward, with ripe blackcurrant and dark berry fruit, then tobacco leaf, spice box and toasted cedar from integrated oak, plus firm tannins. The finish is long and chewy, with blackcurrant, leather and ground pepper.