Main Road & Dignity Cabernet Sauvignon, Restless River 2022

The 2022 Main Road & Dignity is 30% whole berry that undergoes a natural ferment, matured in barrel for 22 months with 30% new oak. It has quite an intense but well-defined bouquet with blackberry, iodine and light violet scents that unfold nicely in the glass. The palate is medium-bodied with black fruit mixed with blueberry and touches of allspice. The gentle warmth of the season just shapes the finish, imparting a soupçon of Mediterranean flair.

Upper Hemel-en Aarde Valley (13.7%) Picked between mid-March and May - such are the demands of growing Cabernet Sauvignon in the Upper Hemel-en-Aarde Valley - this is the best young release of Main Road & Dignity I've tasted. Judged both blind against its peers and sighted, it seduces you with graphite, fynbos and cut grass aromas, leading you into a structured, layered palate of red cherry and cassis embellished by 30% new oak.

Very layered, savory and mossy, showing dark plums, roasted herbs, graphite, olives and nutmeg on the nose, followed by a full-bodied but elegant, supple and fresh palate. Silky, well-integrated tannins. This is delicious now, but can hold.