Super dark-fruited in this vintage, with impressive heft and muscle. After just over two weeks of maceration on the skins and 12 months of ageing in 40% new French oak, the resulting full-bodied wine shows pixelated tannins and terrific grip, thanks to a higher proportion of Cabernet Sauvignon and the addition of Cabernet Franc. It builds in layers of wild herb complexities, crunchier red fruit, and hints of dried rose petals, with cinnamon spices throughout the satisfying, mouth-watering finish.

Coming from AXR Winery, the 2022 Proprietary Red reveals round, juicy red and black berry fruit intermixed with leafy herbs, tobacco, and chocolate notes. Medium to full-bodied on the palate, it shows a juicy, round, layered texture and a pleasure-bent style that's hard to resist.

Almost entirely Cabernet Sauvignon (there's 2% Cabernet Franc), the 2022 Proprietary Red retains its name to distinguish it from the higher-priced and slightly deeper 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon. Scents of scorched pencil shavings, cherries and redcurrants appear on the nose, while the palate is medium to full-bodied, a bit tart and taut, then juicy and mouthwatering on the finish.