Composed of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, 4% Merlot and 2% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Cariad displays a very deep purple-black color. It bursts from the glass with an immediately compelling first waft of blueberry compote, plum preserves, licorice and fertile loam with emerging hints of candied violets, mossy tree bark, oolong tea and cinnamon stick. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is surprisingly elegant with a firm backbone of ripe, finely pixilated tannins and bold freshness, featuring all the black fruit layers suggested on the nose arranged with beautiful composure, finishing very long on a provocative iron ore note.