SF | Near opaque at the core; a burnished nose, with hints of maple syrup and sloe to boot. The lift from the acidity is entirely benevolent, the fruit quality enhanced and magnified , the lower notes of umami and even charcuterie falling in well with the rhythm of the dance. A soft, elegant example, but still with enough power to match most dishes. Probably best served with such challenging accompaniment and not on its own.... 88
AJ | Saturated dense black-red Fresh, lively, zesty; a bright mix of fruit and vegetal notes with a gentle savoury undertow. Classic, Pessac-Leognan-like aroma (the Bordeaux analogy so often relevant for Dao somehow), finely crafted and detailed. Dense, dark, vivid, lively -- attractive fruit medley, softened and harmonious. Much lighter tannins than many though the acidity carries the fruit well, without any brutality or coarseness.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2028. 90
RM | Still deep and dark in colour with a thin, youthful rim; open ripe heady nose, still rather dominated by smoky bacon oak which doesn't seem to have integrated; rather soupy fruit on the palate with overtly savoury new oak mid-palate and on to the finish. Disjointed and always will be.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2032. 86