A deep, dark, ruby hue in the glass. The nose is firm, leading with raspberry, black cherry, damson, elderberry, Campari – then violets, thyme and bayleaf follow through. Medium to full-bodied. Plush, and smooth, but with an energy and racy acidity that surges through to the layered, sweet-fruited core.
On the palate, it’s concentrated, intense even, and spiced with cinnamon, vanilla and cocooned in a generous dollop of toasty oak. Fine, tight-knit, but supple tannins. Develops well in the glass – some mineral, coffee grounds earthiness – finding a little nettle and bark, that hints at some ripe whole bunch winemaking. The finish is polished, glossy-textured and mile-long.
Nicely crafted and a compelling addition to the range. 94pts.
