The palate conveys a similar charm, yet bolstered by bright acid that bursts forth through the finish. A minerally edge makes this feel young, fresh and inviting. 91
Dense and heady black fruit leads in, touch of oak and tobacco. More oak on the palate - slathers the wine with some texture, but perhaps masking the fruit a little.
Touch of anise over softened tannins. Gentle through the finish, ebbing along nicely - leaving you yearning for another sip. 91
Slight ferrous and salumi notes. The palate is youthful, vibrant - drinking well in, and if, itself - as well as soaking up some Saturday night pizza. Perhaps lacking the structure for anything more substantive, it does what it needs to. 89
Meat juices, Rosemary and dried herb - resolves to a firmish tannin and following through to a length of generous proportions. Brightness of acidity flowing through, delivering comely notes of bittering chocolate.
Preferred this with proteins where it wrapped them up and accentuated sweet hints of the meat and juices. 92
The palate - initially - has a softer, rounded edge to it. Citrus and stonefruit, slightly waxy feel across the mid-palate before a good line of acid makes its presence known. Latterly I learn its indeed a Sauvignon Blanc/ Semillon blend - so all's right there at least.
Smart blend of its two constituents. 92
Here this Tempranillo shows Blueberry, Plum, touch of baked earth. Mid-weight, with a rub of decent tannin on a length with some bright pop of flavour freshening things up.
Bit of warmth through the finish, the high - and sun-drenched - vineyards of Rutherglen showing their hand in this one. 90
Exudes class, with fine French oak leading the way. Subtle citrus, delicate seasoning.
A suggestion of creaminess on the palate, more of the the oak framing up the middle. Slight butter popcorn, caramel. Fades to a gentle creaminess. 90
Cabernet Sauvignon (58%), Shiraz (21%),and Cabernet Franc (21%).
100% new French oak barriques for 14 months - it's majestic, and whilst that oak is certainly present it wears it well.
Cedar, oak, bay - perhaps a little greenness on first approach - look deeper, see some of that dense black fruit lurking beneath.
It's softer than one suspect from its 14.5%, an initial deftness to the fore-palate, before tannins and oak tannin weighs in: fine, minerally, mouth-coating with a magnificent spread both in palate volume, and length.
Structure personified. It's best is ahead of it, but it feels assured and displays its self-conviction now. 96
Palate has an edge of bitterness, black tea, firmish tannins. This rolls well with proteins - lapping up those tannins, and elevates it beyond the entry-level for the style - drinks more like a mid-tier Southern Rhone. 91
Citrus oil, satsuma plum, hibiscus - the former is something I've seen previously in renditions of this wine, it's not something that one might necessarily expect in a maritime influenced Pinot Noir, but I stand by my convictions.
The body belies its modest 12.7% alcohol, with fine graphite tannins and a flint-like edge giving substance. It's savoury, with a subtle mushroom - and building to a forest floor presence - with what might be a little liquid smoke. Another fine representation from this impressive vineyard. 94
At turns its both dangerously smashable, yet also beguiling complex - enough to halt you from demolishing it with such reckless abandon. Smart. Delicious. 92
