2016 Locked and Loaded Red – $19.95 – ****+ – The blend from this vintage is 34% Merlot, 27% Malbec, 20% Cabernet Franc, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Petit Verdot. Given that 2016 was an unusually hot and dry summer it’s remarkable the amount of restraint that is in the bottle. The aromas are plum, cassis, blackberry, raspberry, with a hint of meatiness. On the palate this is immediately smooth and soft – the texture is the real story behind this wine. The fruit on the palate is rich and juicy, but not cooked. The flavours match the nose but a strong blueberry note gets added to the party. In spite of how approachable this wine is immediately, it definitely has the ability to evolve nicely in a cellar for 5-7 years.
