2019 Main Road & Dignity Cabernet Sauvignon
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Tasting notes
Instantly impressive in the glass and checking all the boxes for a fantastic, cool climate Cabernet Sauvignon, the 2019 Main Road & Dignity delivers layers of complexity and freshness that unfold with elegance and finesse. Aromas of graphite, savory herbs and just-ripe red fruit skin essences with dusty plums and blackberries are joined by oak spices and a rocky minerality. Medium to full-bodied, the palate displays a balanced structure, with fresh and healthy dark red fruit flavors singing in unison with the supporting factors of oak and earth. Just over 8,000 bottles were filled after the wine rested for 23 months in 30% new French oak and aged in bottle for a year and a half. It's absolutely gorgeous now, and you'll be tempted to open it before it's time. Please don't do it! Begin drinking in 2025.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
The 2019 Main Road & Dignity has a lot of flair on the nose. Interestingly, there are floral elements here reminiscent of a Syrah. The palate is medium-bodied with firm tannins on the entry, fresh, and granular in texture with graphite and iodine-infused black fruit. Concentrated on the finish, less expressive than the 2020 at the moment, it will reward those who cellar this for 4-5 years.
Winemaking as for the 2018. Deep crimson. Intense cedary cassis aroma. Deep and thick texture of lightly grainy tannins. Deep, firmly dark-fruited with the freshness of a light leafiness. (JH)
Named after the two vineyards that provide the fruit for this wine. Granite-based north- and west-facing slopes five kilometres away from the South Atlantic Ocean, which moderates summer temperatures. The highest part of the region, where most people are planting Pinot. 24 months in French oak, not much new. Deep crimson. Cassis and cassis leaf on the nose. Quite herbal and leafy on the palate, suggesting some Cabernet Franc (there isn't any) but with Cabernet Sauvignon's structured tannins. Surprisingly fresh for a wine of 14.5% alcohol. Refined and long and likely to age well. (JH)