M. Chapoutier Domaine Cambrien La Pleiade Shiraz 2019

A savory style, emphasizing tobacco, molasses and ironstone mineral flavors, which press against a core of blackberry fruit as the finish persists.This red has great structure and presence. Needs cellaring to bring it all out. Best from 2014 through 2020.

The 2008 Cluster M45 (named after a star constellation, not London’s worst traffic nightmare) has a deep garnet purple color and aromas of warm cassis, dark chocolate and licorice with spicy hints of cumin seed and cassis. Crisp acidity balances the rich, full-bodied, buxom fruit with medium-firm, fine tannins to lend support. The finish is long with a touch of earthy / truffle character coming through. Approachable now, this wine needs another year or so to soften and marry and should continue to give pleasure to 2020+.