Bevan Cellars Bevan Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vineyard, Vixen Block 2015 750ml

Very deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Vixen Block Wildfoote Vineyard offers up a very serious nose of cassis, blackberry pie and blueberry compote with hints of dried lavender, underbrush, Chinese five spice and cigar box, plus a waft of dark chocolate. Full-bodied and densely packed with black fruit preserves and earthy layers, it has a firm frame of finely grained tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with epically long exotic spice nuances. Only 125 cases were produced.

The 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon Wildfoote Vixen Block is super-refined, silky and expressive. Inky blue and purplish fruit, lavender, spice, licorice and mint are all woven together in this attractive, mid-weight wine. The 2015 is floral and lifted, with tons of Stags Leap character. I never thought I would use the word ‘restrained’ to describe a Russell Bevan wine, that is exactly what this is. (Antonio Galloni)