Lot 453
2022 Oak Knoll Cabernet Sauvignon

$120/bottle under the original label

Lot 453 was hand-harvested at night under the watchful eye of veteran winemakers at their state-of-the-art production facility, promptly destemmed, fermented in open-top containers, then moved into 40% new oak from some of the finest French cooperage for native malolactic fermentation and aging. The resulting wine is incredibly well structured even in its youth. This is not just a typical high-end wood bomb Cab – it’s one where terroir is masterfully integrated with barrel influences.

Aromas of blackberries, black currant, black cherry (you may be sensing a theme here), eucalyptus, and sweet tobacco are deftly interwoven into wet gravel with a violet halo. On entry, the dark fruits integrate with green peppercorn and leather, framed by balanced acidity and polished, dry grippy tannins. The finish is youthful and still shows quite a bit of barrel influence – however, the dark-skinned fruits persist with incredible presence and a showcase of what’s to come.