70% cabernet sauvignon, 16% petit verdot, 14% malbec, crushed/destemmed, open-fermented, part finished fermentation in barrel, the balance going to barrel after post-ferment maceration, 16 months maturation in French barriques (30% new). This is an unequivocally imposing wine, still far from its best, but has the requisite balance to absolutely guarantee its long journey to its peak, all of its fruits in the black spectrum, its tattoo of tannins always there.

New Zealand-born Nigel Ludlow holds a graduate diploma in oenology and viticulture from Lincoln University, NZ. His winemaking journey began at Selaks before embarking on flying winemaking stints in Hungary, Spain, and South Africa. Nigel later served as senior winemaker at Nobilo before relocating to Victoria and ultimately settling in Margaret River.

The inception of Evoi was a gradual process, with Nigel crafting the first vintage of Chardonnay in the lounge room of his house. Following a transitional period in a leased space at a commercial winery, Evoi established its own winery and cellar door in 2017.

Halliday Rating: 95 points