Richly seductive with its mélange of black fruits, spice, tobacco leaf, and a captivating floral hint on the nose. Those same opulent berry compote notes are apparent in the mouth: raspberry, blue, and black berries with some violets and nutty spice reminiscent of toasted pecans and hazelnuts. Taut, focused, and reflective of an excellent vintage, the wine has yet to unfurl and show its true colours. It's harmonious, graceful, and richly textured, with a lovely oak platform, but it'll benefit from more aging to reveal its full complexity. Long, impactful, and memorable flavour.
Enveloping rich fruitcake aromatics with a hint of charcuterie alongside spice. The flavours are bold. Inky, deep, dark and dense blue and black fruit with a dry, spicy oak grip that the grape variety is noted for. Powerful yet restrained, the oak is unmistakeably prominent but balanced by the concentration of the ripe dark berry flavours. Structured with dry tannin grip and a long, rich tail. Not for the fainthearted.
Complex bouquet of black berry fruits, rich fruitcake, tobacco, herbs and even a subtle note of violets. The palate is superbly refined, elegant and poised with the rounded rich black cherry-, plum- and cassis notes countered by spice, cedar and deeper leather and tobacco leaf/cigar box flavours. Powerful but restrained. The oak is effortlessly integrated and supports the fruit harmoniously. Complex, long and richly rewarding. An aristocrat of a wine.
Bright floral notes of cherry blossom and violet mingle with dark fruit, pencil shavings, cedar and spice aromatics. A plush entry to the palate with succulent plum and black cherry, dusted with spice. Refined, poised and structured, the oak frames the fruit well and also plays with the rich cocoa and cedar nuances. There’s a brooding power which remains in check. Complex and silky with a lingering finish.
Leafy hedgerow fruit, graphite, spice and cedar with a tobacco leaf nuance on the nose. Complex and inviting. More ripe berry fruit is found in the mouth: cherry, youngberry, blackberry and plums. Pretty in its succulence and pliability. Vibrant spice adds to the complexity. The palate is softly textured and approachable, supple but also muscular with its squeeze of dry tannin from time in barrel. Lovely long, lingering finish which offers up graphite and dried herbs. Layered, complex and rich but also elegant and refined.
Bold purple plums, black cherries and perfume with subtle edge of cut flower stems on the nose. The palate is taut, needing a bit of time and air to reveal its strata of spicy purple and black berry fruits. There’s an oak edge which lends both spice and structure to the wine while acidity adds freshness and piquancy. Savoury, tangy and tasty with a long tail, it will reward patience.
Instant seduction of violet, blackberry, cherry, cocoa, spice and fruitcake perfume. Black Forest gateau in one whiff. Those same ripe and rich flavours are found in the mouth which is soft, rounded, plush and embracing – but with a dry tail. Supple, textured and elegant it offers up concentration, structure as well as a velvety appeal. Layered, nuanced, cohesive and rewarding.
Peppery spice, blue and black fruit with additional allure of a brush of dried herb and fynbos on the nose. Corduroy softness and mouthfeel is apparent on entry. That texture grows, as does the fruit intensity, into a fantail of flavour, ripe plum, blueberry and a hint of licorice and herbs. Buttressing that ripeness is the structure lent by well integrated oak and a sinewy muscularity and leashed power. Good frame and harmony – nothing is dominant. Long, rich tail with spice and fynbos on the end.
