AJ | Dark black-red to scarlet at the meniscus. No long opaque but not far off. Very much a `21 nose, with ample fresh curranty fruit and a leafy green wash behind which adds freshness without rawness. Appetising and inviting. Skilled oak work too. Mouthfilling and lively, boisterous, with much prettier fruit than many -- there's a teasing sweetness to the currants here that you don't always see elsewhere this year. Larrivet-H-B is a bit deeper and Malartic has more svelte, sensual appeal, but this is a lovely youthful charmer. Drink Dates: 2027 - 2033. 87
SF | Deeply saturated, inky and austere. The nose is classic Carbonnieux however, juxtaposing herbs, dried flowers and a gamut of fruit. Immediately attractive. The palate is lifted, noble and refined, the buttress of acidity merely subservient to the transvasage of finely honed close-grained tannin. Restrained, elegant and so nearly very accomplished; just the faintest vegetal note coming to light after a few minute in the glass... Drink Dates: 2028 - 2040. 89