Tasted at the winery, on a recent visit to see Marty and Stephen. A baby, of course, but so bright and vibrant – impossible to ignore its youthful charm, not just to look forward wistfully to what it will become after a few years development.
A mid-ruby/claret colour in the glass. Aromas of plum, fresh from the tree – ripe and plump, black and red currants, hedgerow notes of bramble, rosehip and elderberry. Spiced with clove and cardamom, undertones of cedary oak warmth, pencil shavings and vanilla pod. A big wine – dry, sturdy with chewy tannin, but still with a floral, composed elegance. Structured, with a depth of ripeness and backbone of brisk acidity to balance those weighty tannins. Nice complexity – the wine changes from moment to moment, showing layers of savoury coffee bean, then mushroom and autumn leaves. The graphite returns as an earthy, gravel chalkiness, framed with a generous depth of oak. The finish is slightly chaotic, but lengthy and compelling – giving cause to pause. 96pts.
They do age beautifully … always compelling