Favia Erickson Winegrowers Cerro Sur 2018 1-2-2023-AHD-1-V

More meaty notes of red and black currants, mulled cherries, tobacco, roasted herbs, and chocolate emerge from the 2018 Cerro Sur, and this beauty brings full-bodied richness, plenty of mid-palate depth, and building tannins on the palate. This rich, meaty, expansive, beautifully textured 2018 has plenty of up-front appeal yet should benefit from 2-4 years of bottle age and cruise for 15-20 years in cold cellars.

Fascinating aromas of plums, sweet tobacco and iron follow through to a full body with density and agility that give this young red energy and brightness. Chewy tannins, yet they are polished and lightly dusty. Flavorful finish. Tight at the end. Give this three to four years to open. Try after 2023.

A brooding wine, the 2018 Cerro Sur is decidedly dark and potent in feel. Blackberry jam, grilled herbs, licorice and cloves all add to its inward, virile personality. I imagine the 2018 will be superb in another few years, but I also imagine it will always be a rather somber wine. Time in the glass does wonders, but I would plan on a few years of cellaring. – By Antonio Gallloni on September 2020

Dense cassis and plum pur?e notes drive through, inlaid with a dark tobacco note and flashes of iron. Ample grip from the start, with everything knitting wonderfully through the lush finish, where a kiss of mocha lands gently. A rock-solid offering. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. Best from 2022 through 2035. 375 cases made. ? JM