Such impressive red plums and mulberries are delivered in bright, pure style here with dark, violet florals. Then there’s a wealth of savory notes, such as cedar, gun flint and cloves. It is so complex already. The palate delivers a very convincing array of purple-berry and plum flavors that completely coat the mouth. So harmonious, the resolve, depth and purity this wields is so impressive. Long and pure dark-berry flavors abound. Like a great young Cos d’Estournel! Drink or cellar for 15 plus years. Screw cap. 200 dozen made.

The fruit for this 2018 Budworth Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from Block 6 within the Riversdale Vineyard. The wine has never been made before and was done so in honor of the excellent season that was 2018. It was handpicked, sorted and macerated on skins for two months prior to maturation in French oak (first and second use). This is a marvel. It is framed by oak, no question, but the oak is high quality, it is expensive, and it has been matched well to the fruit and the subregion. The Frankland River DNA rises up—there is no barrier that could stop it—and shows us an array of raspberry, blood, satsuma plums, tobacco leaf, red dirt, iodine, ferrous and black tea. The tannins that permeate every part of this wine are ductile, fine and grippy and linger long after the wine has gone. What a wine.