Good dark red. An initial touch of reduction to the aromas of raspberry, minerals, mocha and musky woodsmoke. Wonderfully sweet and lively on the palate; an outstanding expression of soil, with plush, fine-grained flavors of red berries, smoke, minerals and exotic Asian spices conveying an impression of finesse that's striking for such a rich, powerful wine. The very long, mounting finish displays balsamic notes of cedar and sandalwood and benefits from strong, perfectly integrated tannins. New winemaker Alexandre Abel considers this wine too young to drink but would double-decant it if you do (my bottle had simply been uncorked two hours before I tasted it). (ST) - VM
VM96March 2018
A bit of maturity, with the colour fading slightly at the rim. The bouquet also offers more evolution despite plenty of primary fruit and is now adorned with aromas of dried flowers and liquorice spice. On the palate, the wine remains fresh and deep. There is almost a slightly porty quality, but the wine is holding well and showing rewardingly sweet figgy fruit on the finish.
DC95