Interestingly, this release is just entitled “Red.” It is actually a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon and 45% Merlot. Note, the “Little Gold Stickers” on the bottle image are for a previous vintage, however, this vintage does have golds from the 2020 China Wine & Spirit Awards and the Mundus Vini (Germany). Maturation (of parcels before blending) in “new (40%), two year-old (30%) and four year-old (30%) French and American oak barriques for a full 24 months.”

Blue Pyrenees Estate, Red, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pyrenees, 2018

Bright garnet with an alive rim. Cabernet choc/mint richness/freshness over mulberry, blackberry, easy bramble, hints of cigar tobacco, fresh turned earth, baked raspberry and plenty of cedary oak. Engage power mode. Firm, solid push of broad structured dark berry and choc flavour with mouth filling, drying, spreading tannins. Doesn’t feel like it’s shifted much since first being bottled. Built for the long haul.

RRP: $44 (cheaper for club members)
Alc: 14.4%
Rating: 17.5/20 (91/100)

Wine sample courtesy of Blue Pyrenees Estate