2018 Bloodwood Maurice, Orange

A cabernet-dominated barrel cull, with a dollop of malbec, cabernet franc and merlot. It is a pleasure to taste this release. More curvaceous than the straight-laced cab. More resinous and layered, too. Graphite, cassis, a sluice of menthol, bay leaf and assorted herbs, but best are the blazing florals that lift the wine. The oak, massaged into the fray. The length, exceptional. Lovely drinking. NG 13.1% alc.