2019 Cerro Sur

Coming from a higher elevation site in Coombsville and mostly Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Cerro Sur has a complex, gorgeous nose of pure cassis, currant buds, flowers, and chocolate. This red, blue, and black fruited beauty is medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins and flawless balance. Brought up in 50% new French oak, it's an incredible 2019 readers will absolutely love. It will evolve for upwards of two decades.

A new addition to the Place de Bordeaux this year - the eponymous project of husband and wife duo; viticulturist Annie Favia and winemaker Andy Erickson. A beautifully scented nose full of rose and violet touches, the Cabernet Franc nuances leap from the glass - fresh and minty, full of herbal sun-kissed ripe fruit but pristinely delivered. Smooth and driving on the palate, crunchy, crisp flavours give a real bite to the palate - red berries, blackcurrants and raisins, all nicely integrated and balanced. This doesn't feel super worked and polished, instead it gives crystalline iron-minerality, lifted acidity and fragrance throughout - real signatures of the terroir and the minimal interventionist winemaking style - the grapes speak more than the winemaking. I just love the sense of wildness, a smoked touch with blue fruits, Asian spices and slightly angular tannins but with ripe fruit giving the body and cool acidity giving the freshness. A stunning wine and welcome addition to the Place. Ageing in French oak barrels (50% new).

This stands out for its welcoming, nuanced and earthy aromatics, with sapidity and grace to the blueberry, raspberry and redcurrant fruits. A deeper ink and cold ash edge comes in through the mid palate, and the texture shows a chalky, angular edge to the tannins. Nothing too much, this is restrained and juicy, reflecting its location in a cooler climate part of the valley, and its Cabernet Franc dominance. Great quality, one to look out for. First vintage going through the Bordeaux system, with 3,000 bottles allocated for the Place. Ageing in 50% new French oak barrels, harvest September 30 to October 7. Owners, viticulturalists and winemakers Annie Favia and Andy Erickson. Tasted twice.