2022 Mariana's Cabernet Sauvignon

The deep red 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon Mariana’s comes from a ridge south of Peter Martin Rey farmed by Bill Brousseau, and by comparison, it’s more intense in its fruit character. It’s expressive and beautiful on the nose, with surprising purity in its cassis, raspberry liqueur, hints of red apple, and floral perfume. Bringing more intensity compared to the Peter Martin Rey, it’s fully ripe, has notable freshness, and a long finish. It should have at least 15 years of longevity. Drink 2026-2040. The team from Ceritas are continuing to push the bar steadily higher, never resting on their laurels. The 2023 range from them is not to be missed.

Grown on uplifted hard sandstone. Fully destemmed and allowed to warm up a bit before going into a concrete tank for fermentation with ambient yeasts and no additional temperature control. A combination of pumpovers and punchdowns are used with a goal of only moderate extraction. Spends between 30 and 36 months in 500-litre used French oak. Bottled unfined and unfiltered. Aromas of cherry and cedar with hints of dried herbs. Tight flavours of cherry and sour cherry mix with dried flowers, cedar and bright acidity. Dried flowers linger in the finish with tannins that feel like canyon walls erected around a core of fruit, walls that stiffen and flex with time. Monumental without too much weight, this will likely age well for decades. Very impressive. (AY)