2016 Cellers Augustus-Forum Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot

Augustus Chardonnay is one of Spain's protagonists when it comes to Chardonnay, also the showpiece of this bodega and is a bit of Spanish Burgundy, but they also make Bordeaux-like wines with a Spanish twist.

This very classic Bordeaux blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot is a very beautiful glass. This Spanish-style wine has the quality of a delicious Bordeaux, but at an Iberian price. The grapes come from an old vieilles vignes vineyard. The Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested in September and the Merlot in October. The two varieties were vinified separately, where they fermented with their skins for an average of 13 days. The Merlot is pre-fermented for 2 days in advance. The Cabernet Sauvignon 1 has aged for 8 months and Merlot between 11 and 17 months in 300L French oak barrels. After assembly, at least a year and a half of bottle aging before it comes on the market

In the glass, the Augustus Cabernet Sauvignon-Merlot has a beautiful bright dark ruby red color. The wine has a beautiful ripe Bordeaux nose with red fruit, liquorice, leather and sandalwood and a tip of cocoa. A little harsh in the mouth at first, but then blossoming with supple and ripe tannins. Nice finish with lots of fruit. This wine should definitely be taken seriously. When Augustus started with this blend (and typical French grapes) more than 25 years ago, there was some laughter, but as has also been seen with Augustus' Chardonnay, this wine is now taken very seriously and it is a nice glass at a very attractive price.