Hand-picked from the Old Block (re-)planted '48, destemmed, crushed, 3 days cold soak, wild yeast open-fermented, matured in (three) new French hogsheads. Only made in exceptional years, this the second release ('10). Pre-fermentation maceration is one of the keys to a beautifully cadenced wine, almost polished so supple is the fruit and tannin profile. There's no sense of alcohol intrusion, seemingly less than 14.5%. The French oak has paid its way many times over.

Drink by: 2049