Lovely deep colour, almost like the yellow nectarine of which it's redolent.
It's still got a lovely crispness to the back end, and a long flourish to its finish.
Fig, green olive in the mix too good all round package. 90, bordering on 91.
The faintest amount of colour draws the eye here, aromatics of ripe beurre bosc, along with a little baking sweet-spice lure further.
A nice snappy line of acids brings vibrancy and energy. Lithe and lively, surpassing by a long stretch many pedestrian examples with focal appeal, allure, and line. 92
Mid-weight on entry, it starts to firm up through the palate, building and bringing a little baking spice and even a nod towards a fresh twist of black pepper. Long and savoury on the finish - exemplary Marlborough Pinot Noir. 94
Stonefruit, frangipane, grapefruit acidity. Subtle hints of ginger spice - particularly in that long and ebbing length of flavour.
Layers of texture, a slight nutty aspect, both a creamy cashew but also with bight of roasted hazelnut. Lots going on, much to like. 96
There remains a smattering of that oak on the nose: gentle play-doh, residual spice. Fruit begins to speak, black and brambly - heavier notes come to the fore.
Plush, velvety palate - subtle tannins. Latterly twists of black pepper, anise - the wine building in stature as it blossoms in the oral cavity. Feels good to go now - settled, assured. Yet it's of some sustained presence and that - along with history and pedigree of winemaking - informs as to its path ahead. 94
Offering fleshy nectarines and creamy notes, it starts to build with some stature: spice oak nuances in the frame.
It needs to build some additional flesh and weight - and that will come with time. For now it's an assured wine in youth - and enjoyable at that. 92
It was with deliberate intent to show both the cool expression of 2015, alongside the longevity of the wine, with the current release 2021 (not to follow).
There's a Christmas Cake and blueberry compote aspect to the wine, look further beneath the layers to see expressions of the freshness against fine tannins. Fennel, blackcurrant and earthen remnants round out the lengthy finish - and even at ten I'd certainly suggest it's time is not done yet. 96
