SF | Deep brooding colour; the nose touched by a little volatility. Thereafter sloes, fig and almond essence. a hint of syrupy compote and dried straw. Bitter chocolate and crushed bilberry on the palate, the shadow of volatility the main impediment to even greater appreciation. 89
AJ | Dark black-red, just off opaque Oaked, sweet, warm and expansive, though based on a simple appeal. Varnishy and furniture polish. Here, too, the wine lacks some freshness and charm, being over-sinewy and linear, with too much wood influence and too many oxidative years. For all that, it is very good, serious and dense wine underneath; the issue here is really to do with the ageing protocols. Fine quality 2018 raw materials still worth a look.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2030. 89
RM | Good deep centre, broad garnet rim; ripe, dense but restrained on the nose with underlying cherry fruit emerging; lovely bright cherry fruit initially on the palate backed by firm tannins, mid-weight but tight knit with good, fresh tannic astringency on the finish, well-balanced, seemingly a good modern interpretation of traditional red Dao.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2040. 93