2012 Granite Hills The Gordon

If there is ever an endorsement for the virtues of cool climate viticulture for the classical Bordeaux varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot than this is it. The wine is named after Llew Knights father Gordon.

The wine has been held back in bottle for 5 years prior to release and has allowed the wine to develop a wonderfully complex nose of blackberry, violets and graphite with a haunting array of cigar box like spice.

The palate has a firm backbone of both acid and tannin, with Cabernet Franc in particular shining through with it’s black liquorice and tar that works in concert with blackberry and blackcurrant. Oak gives a dusting of spice and supple richness to the wine. The finish has incredible length of cassis and understated spice.