AJ | Dark, dense black-red, not quite opaque but not far off. A little bit high toned. and something a little dry and varnishy in the aromas too -- but also a tobacco mellowness and a plant sweetness. An intriguing nose ... let's give it a little more air. Still a fair description 10 mins later of the 2019 wine. Rather sinewy and with some ghost leaf in the fruit; the oak a little too forceful. Ample drinkable nonetheless.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2029. 87
AR | Medium ruby and now starting to evolve to garnet at the rim of the glass, this shouts marked aromatics of cherry, light oak and a suggestion of mint; taken aback at first, I liked how expressive the aromas shot out of the glass, while the fruit, also expressive , is less shouty, more restrained with appealing strawberry fruit flavours underpinned by a minty note and buoyed by a firm- textured fruit quality in which the supporting elements are well-integrated.Drink Dates: 2024 - 2030. 90
DW | Alluringly dark, herb-seasoned nose (dried herbes de Provence) with a kirschy richness; lots of red and black berry fruit given a pulse by red-plum and tangy bergamot; silky of tannin and a long and engaging, complex, bittersweet finish. The most serious of the Laurelwood District flight, but retaining some levity: nothing pompous or ponderous here!Drink Dates: 2024 - 2032. 93