Brooding aromas of barrel spice, black currant, black licorice and dried herbs are followed by slightly jammy fruit flavors. Firm tannic structure backs it up. It needs some time to settle in. Decant if opening in the near term.

The 2017 Lydian Cabernet Sauvignon is blended with a 20% Merlot and has beautiful aromatics of blackberry, plum and juicy cherry skin that waft from the glass with ease and elegance, while structured oak tones and dusty red florals linger under the fruit layers. The palate is clean and correct and moves toward a dusty and sandy expression before picking back up with the expressive fruit flavors before showing melting tannins. The elegant, lingering finish is structured and will last for years to come. Bottled unfined and unfiltered, the wine spent 18 months in French oak, of which 30% were brand-new barrels. Give it a try! 500 cases were produced, and the wine provides great value for the price.

Moderately saturated dark red. Slightly herbal aromas of black cherry, dark berries, licorice and spicy oak. A juicy, supple, classically dry midweight with inviting dark berry and spice flavors and no shortage of texture. Finishes with a light dusting of smooth tannins, a repeating note of licorice and good breadth and length for its price range. Not especially complex but supple and very easy to drink. (Lydian is Avennia's lower-priced label)