SF | Dense saturated purple, with an interesting nose; spicy , leafy and informed by dark fruit with a sweet edge, oak influenced no doubt. The blend works well because it etiolates the descriptive potential but it also demonstrates the complementary nature of the constituent elements, showing them to very good effect after a mere four years of putative integration . The austere takes on a sweetness, the reticent begins to speak and the closed is seen to open its doors in welcome... 94
AJ | Saturatd dense black-red, opaque at the core. Some oak in evidence here, sure, but in harmony with the vivid damson and sloe fruits; an incense note, too. Attractive and appetising. The aromas suggest this is a serious wine, built for the long term. On the palate, it is pure, long, driving, searching and resonant, with splendid fruits and in fact more harmony than most of the more ambitious wines. (Though harmony comes with time, too.) Broad, deep, structured, challenging and Gascon: the roar of nature in a glass, with all its forests, roots, trunks and branches, and boar with their tusks. Excellent Madiran for the long term. (I have to say I think it would have been better still with less oak.)Drink Dates: 2025 - 2042. 92
DW | Super rich and creamy blackberry jam, lavishly, extravagantly concentrated, but still tight, the tannins a little on the austere side but a really beguiling streak of damson/red plum brightness gives the wine life and energy and, again, that really refreshing, mineral-edged finish. 89