Hester Creek The Judge 2020

For those who love serious red blends, the Judge is Hester Creek's courtroom drama in a bottle. This is a Bordeaux-style blend that doesn't just make a case – it delivers a verdict. Deep, opaque ruby with a garnet rim, it's got presence before you even lift the glass. The aromatics are a mix of dark fruit – blackberry compote, graphite, subtle tobacco, and a whisper of Mediterranean herbs. It's the kind of nose that demands your full attention. On the palate, it's all about power with precision. Layers of black cherry and cassis are supported by firm, polished tannins that provide serious structure without feeling aggressive. What sets this wine apart is its balance. It's a heavyweight that moves like a middleweight – powerful but nimble. The 2020 vintage seems to have given the winemaking team some exceptional fruit, resulting in a wine that's both immediate in its pleasures and promising for those willing to cellar it for a few years. Tasted December 2023.

Process: Aged in new and neutral French oak barrels for 24 months.

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