2018 Southdown

An aromatic spice, cherry cassis, and cigar leaf flood the initial aromatic profile, eventually giving way to red cherry, strawberry, and creamy vanilla notes.  The palate is quite nuanced, with a relatively lighter structure squaring up the otherwise fruit-centric, circular profile of this wine.  Speaking of fruit, we do find more elegant notes of bright red cherry moving across the mid-palate.  The finish highlights moderate tannin cooperating with brighter acidity and lingers long enough to find more fruit and oak-inspired flavors. The 2018 Southdown is delicious now but will be superb in 2-3 years and if stored properly, can be enjoyed for the next 10-12.