SH | This wine has medium deep, bright, translucent garnet colour showing some evolution already in colour. the aromas are already a little more tertiary slight waxy, oil tar notes rather than fruit aromas with smoke and spice notes intertwined suggesting a more 'traditional' oxidative approach to wine handling. On the palate there is plenty of ripe sweet black cherry, cream and spice and an attractive balance of acidity and tannins. This wine has a very traditional -old school feel about it but within that context it has its appeal and charm.Drink Dates: 2025 - 2032. 89
AJ | Our second Novello wine is both paler and more tile-hued than the first. Secondary on the aromas, with hospital-corridor or peaty phenol notes as well as earth and hedgerow warmth. It's all done quite subtly, though, and the overall effect is enticing. Ditto on the palate, and perhaps little too much phenol here for me. Firm fruits and firm, dryish tannins, too. But it is generous in style, with fair concentration, so the overall success is related to how one feels about its characterful sideDrink Dates: 2025 - 2031. 86
MP | Complex nose with cooked red fruit including apple, cherry and plum supported by Asian spice including cinnamon, clove and pepper. Further complexity comes via vanilla, coffee grounds, damp earth and tobacco. The finish is superb with high levels of alcohol and tannin supported by masses of both red and black fruit. The sinewy structure is yet to relax but it will and the aromatic fireworks should get even better.Drink Dates: 2030 - 2040. 98