Harry Hartman Coracle 2019

Harry Hartman Coracle is dry, full-bodied, with cool, herbal notes on the palate. Red fruit, savoury notes and lots of tension. It is silky, firm with fine-grained tannins and lively acidity, excellent length, although the new oak needs time to integrate. "In essence, the name refers to a small traditional boat that symbolises the joint effort of a group of friends who adore Bordeaux-style blends. Yet, there is nothing light-weight about this wine. The quintessential power from Stellenbosch fruit is united in an intriguing and authoritative wine that casts a net of attractive aromas to reel you in. Its hedonistic charm of plum, mulberry, cassis, and blackberry are underpinned with masculine notes of English leather, cedar, tobacco, truffle, and cured meat. On entry, the wine provokes the palate with firm, corseted tannins that makes way for a delicious and mouth-filling mid-palate. This suave cabernet sauvignon-driven blend is undoubtedly intended to set sail for a long-lived journey and beckons those in search of a focussed and multi-faceted wine. Adorning this solid backbone, Merlot contributes with lively red fruit and a cool note of fennel that resurfaces as the wine develops in the glass. Trailed by hints of graphite and capsicum, Cabernet Franc takes a bow, adding even more defined fruit and finesse. Noticeable florals, rosemary, and intensity stems from Stellenbosch Petit Verdot to complete this flavour journey. The smart use of foudre barrels in combination with new 225-litre French oak barrels imparts deft tannin in its youth and anchors a sense of longevity. Persistent with a lingering taste of liquorice, cloves, and cinnamon, this wine was made to conquer." The wine is excellent and suitable for ageing.