Man O War Ironclad Merlot Cabernet 2022

The winery writes "2022 Ironclad shows dark fruits; plums and berries, wildflowers, crushed rock, and iodine, all creating a complex and lifted aroma profile. The palate shows good density which is balanced with coastal freshness and finishes with a core of powerful tannins. A rare dominance of Merlot over Cabernet Franc gives the wine good early accessibility but clearly a wine suited to ageing."

Cameron Douglas MS writes "An excellent bouquet of power and concentration, dark plums and blackberry fruits, lots of baking spices, smoky wood and new barrel scents. There’s an enticement from the synergy of aromas along with and earthy stony quality adding depth and intrigue. Full-bodied, dry, plenty of tannins and acidity delivery a taut and very youthful mouthfeel. Fruit flavours remain at the core with dark skinned plums and blackberry, there’s also chocolate and brown baking spices, a lick of salt, a long finish and complexity."