Best Ever for the Wine Advocate:
The 2019 Soul Of A Lion is a blend of free-run Cabernet Sauvignon (77%), Cabernet Franc (14%), and Petit Verdot (9%), aged 22 months in 100% new French oak. Opaque ruby in color, it offers aromatic contrast between dark, savory cherry fruit, chargrill and graphite, and top notes of green pepper and rose petals. The palate explodes with detailed flavors and its tannins are already resolved and chocolaty, with seamless acidity and exotic spicy layers emerging on the extended finish. Wow!
And for Vinous:
Inky magenta. Primary, mineral-accented cassis, cherry pit, licorice, roasted coffee and incense aromas reveal oak spice and pipe tobacco flourishes. Shows superb clarity and spicy thrust on the palate, offering sweet black and blue fruit, exotic spice, vanilla and candied rose flavors that deftly blend weight and energy. Youthfully gripping tannins frame a wonderfully long, smoky finish that leaves cherry liqueur and vanilla notes behind. 100% new French oak.
And Decanter:
A luscious meditation wine with a long life ahead. On the nose, a harmonious dance of dark black fruits, chocolate, sweet vanilla and a marked earthiness. Flavours of blackberry compote, black cherry and tobacco leaf interplay with the firm tannins to deliver a rich, full-bodied, complex wine to be enjoyed either on its own as a main course in itself or with an equally memorable meal.
And Suckling:
A full-bodied cabernet sauvignon with firmness and length. Very polished tannins. Chewy and solid. Very curated and thoughtful quality to the tannins. Sandalwood and blackberry on the finish, which remains elegant, despite the strength. Try after 2025 and onwards.
And even the Austrian Falstaff:
A lovely, pure note of blueberry and ripe plum defines the nose. The palate is full of fruit, intense, vivid like an explosion of red, crushed berry and plum. A seam of fine acidity provides a guiding light while oak adds a mellow vanilla lift and velvety tannins are smooth. This is full-bodied, concentrated but also fresh. Beautiful and bold. Drink 2028-2040.