AJ | Dark black red; just off opaque now. Like the Dame, this has very gentle, comely, easy-access aromas of fruits (black here: blackberry and black cherry) within a sweet and accessible frame. With time in the glass, though, these swing into fresher focus. Plush and open, a burgundy-styled St Emilion which is easy to enjoy. As with the Dame, both tannins and acids are relatively soft though the freshness and briskness of the vintage is apparent too. Straightforward mid-term pleasure. Drink Dates: 2027 - 2035. 87
SF | A teasing midnight complexion, youthful pink at its rim. Aromatically this is forward and allusive, dark fruit and spice to the fore, a little woodsmoke and licorice behind. The palate is broad and a little flat, its tannins somewhat loose-grained and lacklustre, with a surprising dearth of supporting acidity. The finish is poor. Overall, surprisingly hollow. Chaptalisation may have been an idea? Drink Dates: 2026 - 2031. 87