The Calling Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 (75cl, 14.5%)

A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Alexander Valley, Sonoma County, made by The Calling and bottled unfined and unfiltered. The 2016 vintage was made from hand-sorted grapes fermented with native yeast, underwent malolactic fermentation in barrel and spent 22 months ageing. The nose opens with char and toasty oak, then deep plummy fruit and black pepper, with ripe black cherry and blackberry emerging. The palate is full and smooth with blackberry, plum, sweet vanilla oak and a hint of tar, balanced by acidity. The finish has moderate length with resolved tannins, dried herb, sage, dark berry and oak spice.