2021 OVID Hexameter

98 POINTS: This is the first vintage of Ovid wines without cold soaking or extended macerations. Winemaker Austin Peterson emphasises their transition to a hands-off winemaking approach, following extensive experimentation and vineyard work. Hand-sorted clusters pass through an optical sorter introduced in 2015 and undergo gravity flow into tanks. Post-fermentation, the free-run juice is bled into stainless steel before barrel ageing with minimal racking and malolactic fermentation. From January, Peterson begins crafting the final blend to harmonise with oak. After 20 months in 37% new French oak, this year's blend consists of 50% Cabernet Franc, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Merlot, and 5% Petit Verdot (subject to variation annually). Peterson notes that drier winters and springs tend to favour Cabernet Franc more. The wine is compact and tightly wound, showcasing precise black-toned fruits, liquorice, dried sage, bay laurel, cast iron, and cedarwood. It is full-bodied and polished, with firm, taut, fine-grained tannins. Delicate red berry fruit intertwines with cedar and walnut husk, supported by a firm spine of acidity that maintains freshness.