SF | Saturated blood, but with no evidence of a crime. Viscosity abounds, however. A nose dominated by soot, Quink ink, blueberry and vanillin. Generous, despite the restraint of youth, itself enforced by well-integrated spirit and sense of purpose. The palate assumes a pleasing floral note, with jasmine and violet lending moral support to the fruit, the latter now accompanied by soft spice and the all-enveloping wrap of tense acidity. Chalky tannins, ripe and generous, but not overwhelming. A nicely tapered finish 90
AJ | Dark, dense black-purple-red, opaque, glass-staining and promising Ample lush, ripe fruits (blackberry, damson, blackcurrant) freshened with citrus and woodland intrigue; root spices, too. A little bass-line fatness and suet sets the scene for the year, but it's a counterpoise and gives the fruit a naughty fudge-core charm. The wine comes bustling into the palate with trayfuls of good things to share: fresh black fruits and sweet dried fruits, too, with lots of spice and some crystallised plum. Grand (for the vintage) tannins and the necessary subterranean acidity of the best: delicious, wealthy and welcoming.Drink Dates: 2028 - 2048. 92
RM | deep, opaque; a bit sullen on the nose at this stage with underlying spicy hedgerow character and a hint of dark chocolate concentration; quite dense initially on the palate with firm, dusty-grainy tannins mid-palate leading to a good, broad, fresh finish. Not showing much purity of fruit at this stage but well balanced and very promising.Drink Dates: 2025 - 2055. 93