This sits on the edge of reduction, bringing a lovely savory, meaty and salty undertone to layers of black currants, bitter chocolate, volcanic earth, licorice and graphite. The tense, full-bodied palate offers fine-tuned tannins, mouthwatering acidity and a long, luscious, fruit- and mineral-driven finish. The nerve and verve here are profound, with an extended life ahead in the bottle. Drink or hold. (RM)

Vida Valiente is a collaboration between Hayes Drumwright and his wife, Susana, alongside winemaker Sam Kaplan and his wife, Nancy. This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from The High Ranch site in Coombsville, a vineyard originally owned by the Kongsgaard family and later sold to the Gutterson family, who retain ownership today. Planted in 2017 by Kaplan alongside viticulturist Mike Wolf, the vineyard debuted with a first release in 2021, skipped the 2022, making the 2023 vintage the second official release, from vines now seven years old. Exclusively sourced by Vida Valiente, the site is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon clones 4, 7, and 169 on drought-tolerant rootstock, set at high elevation above Meteor Vineyard and overlooking The Judge. An early-ripening site with favourable exposure, it delivers a wine of notable density and power, balanced by a lifted mineral thread and white-pepper expressiveness. The palate is richly textured yet poised, showing bold Coombsville garrigue character alongside dark, salted-chocolate and crushed-stone minerality. Fine-grained tannins build with intensity through the full-bodied finish. (JC)