Grounded Wine Co. Collusion Red Wine 2018 750ml

The 2018 Collusion Red is a blend of 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 39% Malbec and 6% Merlot and begins with a dark ruby core and aromas of dusty red and black fruits layered with black plum, dark cherry and subtle hints of vanilla and Christmas spice over and underlying dusty minerality. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, this has elegant spices and a juicy and textural mouthfeel before lifting tannins showcase across the mid-palate, ending with a delightful finish. 3,000 cases were produced, and this wine drinks exceptionally well for the price. Keep your eye on this producer, as winemaker Josh Phelps works with fruit from California, Oregon and Washington for a variety of different labels in the Grounded Wine Co. range.

Deep, bright ruby-red. Slightly port-like aromas of kirsch, blackberry, blackcurrant, licorice and dark chocolate. Plush, dense and thick, with just enough framing acidity to the black fruit, bitter chocolate and menthol flavors. Not overly sweet-in fact, this conveys a salty high-pH impression-but distinctly mouthfilling, and with a strong note of molten dark chocolate. Finishes with fairly soft, palate-dusting tannins and a repeating porty ripeness. This blend relies more on its tannins than on its acidity for structure but could still use a bit more lift.<br/><br/>