This is the freshly-bottled new vintage of a wine that ended up being my “Red Wine of the Year” in 2022. A black-garnet claret colour in the glass, with a complex and elegant aroma of black doris plum, cassis, olive, tobacco and lavender. The perfume evolves over the time it takes to drink a glass – the final sip showing a perfume of red fruits – cranberry and redcurrant and then baking spice and mocha. The palate shows some power and heft from the Cabernet, some sweetness and velvet from the Merlot. A well-judged balance of fine, svelte tannins and juicy acidity form a core, and a confident oak note frames the palate. As well as a plush concentration there is a stony minerality as you head into a finish that has great endurance and polish. 96pts
Radburnd Merlot Cabernet 2020
