2019 Elephant Hill Hieronymus Cabernet Merlot

"Combining opulence with vigorous power, the wine shows cassis, dried herb, violet and cedary oak characters on the nose, leading to an immensely concentrated palate exhibiting outstanding weight and density, yet remains refined and gracious. Sophisticated and enticing with beautifully layered mouthfeel, promising to evolve magnificently." Drink 2025 - 2040

"Very complex, youthful and desirable bouquet. Aromas of violets, dark plum and blackberry, sweet chocolate cigar, brown sugar and dark spices, baked nut and a clay stone earthy quality. Fantastic mouthfeel and texture with tannins, acidity and toasty barrel flavours contrasted by a powerful core of fruit reflecting the bouquet, moments of dark chocolate, clove and brazil nut. very expressive and complex, there’s no mistaking the oak component, but this well placed against the core of fruit. Best drinking from 2023 through 2035+."

"This bouquet is complex, precise, and structured in layers of cassis, red berry, herbs, violet, cedar, leather and an amalgam of spice. Full-bodied, cassis, red and blackberry aromas entwined with vine leaf, violet, cedar and leather, unveiling dark minerals and new barrel spice. The mouthfeel is smooth with broody dark minerals and finely woven tannins. Lively, integrated acidity enlivens the palate with freshness and length. This robust red blend possesses grace and structure with enticing, integrated fruit and complex new oak elements, already delicious. Serve decanted and match with braised short ribs and tomahawk steak over the next 15 years. Fruit from 99% Stone vineyard in Gimblett Gravels, 1% Earth vineyard in Bridge Pa. 60% Cabernet Sauvignon, 29% Cabernet Franc and 11% Merlot, inoculated and natural fermentation, 13.5% alc, natural spring MLF, aged 28 months on light less in total, 24 months in barrel, 67% new oak, and 4 months in tank. 435 cases produced. 19.5-/20 pts (97 pts) Oct 2022." Drink 2022 - 2037