Hester Creek The Judge 2021

This is one of Hester Creek’s two flagship red blends. This is 46% Merlot, 26% Cabernet Franc, 22% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Petit Verdot and 1% Malbec. The wine was aged 24 months in French oak. The wine is remarkably concentrated, with aromas of sage, dark fruits including plum and cherry which are echoed on the palate. The wine needs to be decanted to coax it to open up. My sample improved continuously over four days. Score – 94. (John Schreiner, johnschreiner.blogspot.com, Jan. 1, 2025)