AJ | Deep black-red though translucent at the core. Sweetly attractive but relatively simple and one-dimensional compared to the best of its peers. Smooth, open, vivid and lively, with plenty of fresh, mouthwatering Merlot fruits without overt greenness or leafiness. They are fresh -- but gathered and concentrated too, and this will provide very attractive drinking over the next decade. Drink Dates: 2026 - 2036. 88
SF | Dense bruised plum colour, a little bloody at the rim. The nose boasts loganberry, griotte and Assam tea, with iodine , raw peat and soft spice in support. The palate is tight, maybe still a touch reduced, and still /closed' after a further half an hour in the glass. There is a discernible quality of fruit evidenced however; raspberries and cherry. The tannins smother the ensemble in a semblance of benevolence which will, in all probability, steer the wine to a happy denouement. Drink Dates: 2027 - 2036. 88