Murrieta's Well The Spur (75cl, 14.5%)

A full-bodied, estate-grown Bordeaux-style red blend from California's Livermore Valley, produced by Murrieta's Well and bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The 2019 vintage earned 94 points from The Tasting Panel and 92 points from Wine Enthusiast, plus Gold medals at two competitions. The blend is 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Petite Sirah, 9% Merlot, 7% Malbec and 5% Petit Verdot. Each varietal is farmed, harvested and vinified individually from estate fruit before blending and ageing for 24 months in French oak barrels, half of them new. The nose opens with ripe black cherry and blackberry, followed by spiced cranberry, vanilla and subtle oak, with deeper notes of graham cracker, clove and cedar. The palate is plush and concentrated, with plump black cherries, jammy dark fruit, baking spices, dark chocolate, plum and cardamom. The finish is medium-long and smooth, with leather, graphite and ground cloves.