Xige Estate N28 Cabernet Sauvignon

Rated 86 by Wine Advocate

 

Xige’s 2019 No. 28 Cabernet Sauvignon is 100% of the variety and has a deep purple appearance. On the nose, there is some varietally correct leafy cassis and black cherry fruit with a hint of savory oak (a touch of clove and toast), with the 2019 vintage seeing only 20% new oak in small-format French oak for only six months. On the palate, the 2019 No. 28 Cabernet Sauvignon is full-bodied with some gripping tannins, lifting acidity and somewhat warming 14% alcohol. There is some attractive cassis, bramble and black cherry fruit with herbaceous notes and that touch of savoury new-oak influence. With its shorter to moderate length, there is a bit more concentration here than in the 2018 vintage of this wine, and it’s well assembled in relatively high volume (600,000 bottles produced). This is certainly drinking well now and will improve slightly over the next 1-2 years.