From the Elephant Hill vineyards in Gimblett and Bridge Pa Triangle – a blend comprising Cabernet Sauvignon 41%, Merlot 22%, Cabernet Franc 17%, Malbec 12% and a dash of Tempranillo at 8%. An expressive bouquet with cassis, chorizo, hazelnut, mocha, ripe dark berries and violets floral notes. The attractive, broad palate has plenty of focus, power and detail with deep concentrated intensity. A well-rounded balance does include a bold use of oak, crisp acidity and fine, grippy tannins. I like the almost hidden little nuance of herbal-bitter-Campari greenness that riffs against that plush sweet fruit. Some secondary characters just starting to develop in behind – cigar box and warm leather but with several years in bottle, this still has excellent potential – still climbing. The intricate, sustained finish suggests more to come with cellaring. 95pts
Elephant Hill Hieronymus 2015
