SF | Dense colour, seemingly the calling card of this region and sometimes defiant of age...a Bordelaise nose of graphite and slate, figs and pressed fruit in support. The palate is equally ferrous, acidity poised and deft, the fruit character teasing and not lacking for purity, despite its ( relative ) age. Structural integrity mid-palate and a finely-tuned deft tone on the finish. 90
AJ | Dark, dense black red; still opaque Earthy and warm, mellow and balanced. Fine quality black fruits in mid-evolution with lots of aromatic lift to them. Fine settled harmony and aromatic balance here: tobacco, graceful blackcurrant and damson, red apples, root spice. Concentrated, shapely and attractive wine, just coming together at a point at the end of the palate. Doesn't quite have the grandeur and expansiveness of the best 2017s, but this is deftly sewn and stitched together and contrives still to be refreshing without asperity.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2030. 91
RM | Mid-deep colour, retaining youthful appearance; savoury-cedary aromas, the oak having integrated rather nicely here, almost Bordelais in style; this is reflected on the plate with firm, fresh spicy fruit, supple with good integration and a long savoury-cedary dry finish. All-together and rather good.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2032. 92