SF | Deep raven colour, thin at the rim; the nose dominated by wood and soot; Elastoplast and black cherry ; eucalypt and something of the night; archetypal Tannat one may say...aeration is fascinating; it provokes an infusion of aniseed, cardamom and raspberry essence; almost spirity; still fiercely tannic, overbearing maybe, savoury and distinctive. A magisterial statement; bring on the magret de canard! 96
AJ | Saturated midnight-black: what you expect from a serious glass of young Madiran. Warm, roasty, rustic and vibrant: smoke, drifting about the autumn woods. Exuberant and classical aromas in fruit terms -- though a little too oaky. Very deep and sturdy on the palate, powerful, rustic, tannin-laden and ready for the most substantial winter foods. The oak isn't as obvious on the palate as it is on the nose -- except in so far as it dries the fruit somewhat, which is a shame. But the depths here are admirable; it almost seems to sweat salt into the finish. This will take long ageing -- but it's a wager: will the fruit triumph, or will the oak dry the wine further? Personally I would drink it young.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2030. 90
DW | Cola bean, cherry cola oak nose – excessive. Glossy, rich, full and burly, ambitiously "international" and extracted with forceful dry tannins – it feels a little too advanced already. 86