SF | Deeper of hue than some, raven black at its core. Closed on the nose; pine resin and wood smoke eventually leech our way. The palate has a residual spritz, surprisingly not yet dissipated; a slightly dissolute profile; strawberry compote and russet apples, a pithy slightly bitter finish, tapering narrowly and shutting down potential, although not in the case of robust indigenous cuisine. 89
AJ | Saturated black-red; opaque at the core, though not quite midnight black. Lots jostling for attention in here: plum, apple, cinders, tamarind. A little chaotic but perhaps time will bring harmony: the potential is clear. Indeed after time in the glass this is looking calmer and more settled. A little slighter on the palate than I was expecting from the nose (12%) but pure, pristine, allusive and (yes!) well-organised. The advantage of 12% is that it gives it a thirst-quenching aspect, the kind of thing you'd like to find, chilled, on the lunch table, on a bright 38C day. Well crafted.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2028. 90
RM | Good, deep youthful colour; sour cherry aromas, simple straightforward, slightly dusty; similarly up front on the palate with rather lovely sour cherry flavours backed by firm, spicy tannins and a fresh, slightly brusque astringent finish. I rather like this for its simplicity and honesty.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2029. 88