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A dark garnet core with a brooding cardinal rim, the-2022 Palermo-opens with notes of crunchy cassis, muddled boysenberry, ripe elderberry chaparral and cedar. The palate continues many of the aromatics with traces of cassis, blackberry, savory and thyme. Effuse with ripe dark fruits but also complex savory tones, the wine closes with long and soft tannin chains and hints of licorice, black pepper and star anise.
A luscious, dark-berry center is surrounded by plush tannins and a full body in this broad, rather tannic but soothing wine. Dark chocolate, cocoa and baked blueberries give a lot of mouthfilling satisfaction as you sip.
Traditionally, Palermo included wine that didn't make it into Mercury Head or Papillon, but winemaker Dave Phinney now buys some fruit specifically targeted for this bottling. The 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon Palermo—a blend of estate-grown and purchased fruit aged 11 months in 34% new oak—includes small proportions of Merlot and Malbec. Offering up cherries, cassis and slightly earthy scents, plus hints of cinnamon and nutmeg on the nose, it's full-bodied and nicely balanced, with its firmness matched by softness. It's just a nice drink overall. Best After 2023
