SF | Pastille purple; a broad and generous aromatic,; mulberry, cassis and black plum; behind that bergamot and quince. Welcoming. The palate rehearses tropes from the forest floor, with red cherry and soft spice; silky, soft tannins and an equilibrium on the back which impresses. Forward and friendly, but not without depth. 90
AJ | Relatively dark black-red; almost opaque at its core. Very forthcoming aromatically: bright, fresh blackcurrant with fringing sweetness. You might almost guess St Estephe or a good Crozes-Hermitage or warm St Joseph as first poured. It expands and acquires a savoury breadth in the glass so a slight loss of purity with air but it remains powerfully aromatic and intriguing. Simpler on the palate, though. Bright acidity, as always, but a sweet, almost toffeed note to the fruit. Oak a little too generous for me, assuming that that is the principal source of the sweetness (American?).Drink Dates: 2024 - 2027. 87
RM | Deep, nearly opaque youthful ruby red; ripe, fragrant, floral aromas, Touriga Nacional dominant (?), combining vibrancy and underlying depth; lovely soft, ripe flavours, berry fruit backed by firm gravelly tannins and a lovely fresh yet supple finish.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2034. 88