2014 Domaine A Petit A Cabernet Blend, Coal River Valley

The quintessential younger sibling, the 2014 ‘a’ is a sprightly, expressive vintage. A bramble romp of wild cherries (black and red) lead, with a dusting of shaved milk chocolate and tannin laying the foundation for a deep, savoury mid and back end. Mushroom, dried red meats, and a refined, complementary freshness lead into a lengthy finish, buoyed by excellent tannin structure. Match with a slow-braised pot of something rich and fresh toasted rye.

This is a savoury, silky, hyggelicious delight, perfect for cosying up in front of a roaring fire in your cashmere and Ugg boots. Dark plums and damsons, cherries, vanilla, autumnal crispy leaves, sweet spices, and smokiness combine with mouthwatering acidity and well balanced, grippy tannins. Still a baby, this is one that you can tuck away for a few years to let those intense and concentrated fruit characteristics slip into something even more sultry and savoury.