Moone Tsai 2019 Cor Leonis Cabernet Sauvignon

Dark ruby red verging on opacity, the 2019 vintage of our signature cabernet is a wine to behold, though diving-in should not be delayed. At first whiff, black fruits predominate, albeit with gentle nods to cassis, sandalwood, and shaved cedar. While the wine is fresh and forward, it retains an underlying energy that vibrates from its resolute attack onward. Layered, lush and demonstrative, the palate cuts loose with throaty chords of ripe blackberry, dark cherry, spice, and exotic dark chocolate (75%+ Madagascar Criollo!), all presented against a deftly delineated backdrop, engendered by the wine’s aging for 18 months in 70% new French oak. As no performance should close without a finale, the wine finishes long with a notable flourish worthy of an exuberant encore. Deep, dark, and intriguing, one cannot help but think of the iconic Rock & Roll Hall of Fame chanteuse, Joan Jett, who during her heyday as frontwoman for The Black Hearts, captured all of our hearts in sweet surrender.