Gandona Estate Gandona Encosta 2018 750ml

Composed of 91.78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8.22% Petit Verdot, the 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon Encosta has a deep garnet-purple color and explodes with a wall of fruit aromas — blackcurrant jelly, baked black cherries, blueberry compote and boysenberries — with underlying suggestions of cedar, cardamom and Indian spices plus a waft of menthol. Big, rich and full-bodied in the mouth, it has a beautiful velvety texture and loads of spicy sparks, finishing with a refreshing lift. 1,150 cases were made.

The 2018 Encosta (92% Cabernet Sauvignon and 8% Petit Verdot) has a pretty, perfumed, blue-fruited nose to go with a medium to full-bodied, elegant, sappy style on the palate. It’s another fresh, lively wine in the lineup that’s a joy to drink. (Jeb Dunnuck)