2019 ACAIBO

This is firm and structured with focus and precision. Medium- to full-bodied with ripe but fresh dark berries, cocoa and dried orange peel. Very attractive mineral undertone that gives tension on the mid-palate. Crushed stones and wet soil. Firm, tightly wound tannins. Elegance to this. 88% cabernet sauvignon, 9% merlot and 3% cabernet franc. Try after 2026, but already very drinkable. (04/2024)

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Acaibo Trinite Estate comes in as 87% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Cabernet Franc, and the rest Merlot, all from the estate on Chalk Hill, and is aged in 65% new French oak. Vibrant cassis, violets, candied orange, and sandalwood notes all emerge on the nose, and it's medium-bodied, with rock-solid overall balance as well as an old-school, focused, complex, lengthy style on the palate. It should have an easy 15 years of overall prime drinking. (07/2021)