John's Blend Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 - In Bond

Stuart McCloskey "Individual selection of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes from three highly regarded vineyards in Langhorne Creek were used in this forty-fourth release of John's Blend Cabernet Sauvignon. The three components completed primary and secondary fermentation in seasoned French Oak hogsheads. The individual wines were blended during November 2019 with the blends maturing a further thirty-five months prior to bottling in Spring 2022.

I suggest a 2-3-hour decant as the aromatics require some coaxing, and then you are in for a real treat. Graphite-infused black fruits come galloping along with black olive, black pepper, a swoosh of salinity, iodine, nori, mocha, pencil shavings and blood orange. Very Pauillac from a warm vintage. The complexity of the aromatics are truly outstanding – This gets better with more air time… The palate is extremely focused and unforced. Silky smooth, filigree tannins and wonderfully creamy. There’s an exoticism to the fruit, but nothing is forced. Opulence is balanced perfectly by bright acids.  The black and red fruits are infused with graphite which I find particularly appealing along with sweet spice, fresh cedar and orange peel. How John manages to combine richness and density without a smidgeon of excess weight is a true skill. The tannins fan-out beautifully and provide the gentlest of hugs. Immensely appealing and lingers for an age. Drink now to 2040. I would love to see this in 10-years. Served using Zalto Bordeaux stemware."