Smith and Sheth CRU Cantera 2021

A blend of cabernet sauvignon, tempranillo, and cabernet franc, inspired by the red wines of Spain.

The winery writes "Very dense, almost opaque black cherry colour. Hedonistic aromas of blackcurrant, cigar box, vanilla, cedar and violets provide an overwhelming but composed impact on the nose. The palate is similarly generous with abundant flavours of blueberry, dark plum and blackcurrant alongside a creamy vanilla and warm pastry like texture, delicious fine pencil lead and toast, finishing with the distinctive iodine and stony texture of fine Gimblett Gravels red wine."

Andrew Caillard MW writes "Deep crimson. Intensely complex wine with fresh dark cherry, marzipan, grilled nut, dark chocolate, spice aromas and flavours, fine bitter sweet tannins, very good mid palate density and fresh long mineral acidity. Velvety smooth finish with mocha, roasted chestnut notes."

Cameron Douglas MS writes "A blend of CS, CF and Tempranillo aged in French and American oak for 18 months - presents a bouquet of dark plums and baking spices - led by clove then a touch of five spice, there’s a meaty quality accentuated by new barrel scents with a toasty quality. Dry, weighty and tautly youthful with firm tannins and a back bone of acidity tempered by core red fruit flavours of plums and blackberry dark olive flesh. The meaty-ness continues through the impact of oak and barrel spices build in plenty of power. A wine destined to develop well over the next few years."

Sam Kim, Wine Orbit writes "Gorgeously fruited and perfumed, the fragrant bouquet shows blackcurrant, sweet plum, violet, beautifully infused oak and warm spice aromas, leading to a concentrated palate that’s plump and silky. Wonderfully layered with rich texture and beautifully melded tannins, finishing structured and robust, while remaining velvety and harmonious. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon (44%), Tempranillo (38%) & Cabernet Franc (18%) from the Gimblett Gravels district."