Vinum Cellars The Insider Cabernet Sauvignon (75cl, 14.5%)

A 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles, California, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. Vinum Cellars is a collaboration between winemakers Richard Bruno and Chris Condos. The name comes from a confidentiality agreement signed to buy grapes from the vines of a well-known winery. Fruit is sourced from Adelaida, Templeton Gap, Creston and Santa Margarita Ranch. After fermentation the wine rests in two-year-old French oak barrels for 15 months, then in brand-new French oak for three months, totalling 18 months of barrel ageing. The nose shows deep Bing cherry, dried cherry, black currant, baked blackberry, integrated vanilla, toasted oak, cracked pepper, tobacco and pencil shavings. The palate has silky tannins with ripe cherry and cassis, cocoa-dusted black cherry, dried blueberry, sweet tobacco and warm nutmeg. The finish is moderately long with dark fruit, leather and a gentle toasted-oak fade.