Lemon and grapefruit zest aromas with a dusty flint edge. Those same flavours immediately announce themselves on the palate, bright, tangy and vivacious. The interplay of fruit and zingy acid is beautifully harmonious and well judged. Underpinning it all is a structured, subtle lees depth which lends both body and length to the succulent mouthful.
A gentle florality adds to the more prominent stonefruit and light touch of honey on the nose. The mouth delivers a veritable fruit salad: flavours of melon, nectarine, quince and apricot intermingle seamlessly. Delightful succulence and freshness from appropriate acidity but there is a broad, creamy lees undertone that adds texture and breadth to the tasty mouthful. Good composure and structure only add to the enjoyment, as does a delicate citrus pith nuance which is apparent on the long, lingering aftertaste.
Citrus aromas with stone fruit, lemongrass and a light dusting of gravel. That same lemon and lemongrass vibrance is found on the palate which is both bright, taut and tangy. Lively acidity keeps the nectarine, white peach and zesty citrus flavours front and centre, but with a flinty, petrichor edge. Compact and firm, the texture and mouthfeel display a delightful tension that adds to the structure of this young wine. Lovely tension of opposites in its youth but it will evolve, becoming richer and fuller with age and careful cellaring.
Orange-fleshed stone fruit, loquat and autumn leaf aromas are fringed with a subtle gravel dust nuance. The wine shows more of the fleshy stone fruit flavours in the mouth: stewed golden cling peaches, nectarine and loquat lifted by a vibrant citrus zest and blossom element. Juicy and succulent initially it broadens, becoming rounded and rich, revealing its poise and structure along with a creamy lees note. Elegant and rewarding with good length, it has a well defined finish with a trace of lemon peel.
Subtle floral perfume with pear drop, green melon, peach and a touch of white pepper on the nose. Lively and fresh in the mouth with good acid tang and vibrance lending vivacity to the taste of stone fruit, nectarine, apricot and peach. Loquat too. Adding dimension and breadth along with texture is a creamy lees element. Lovely succulence and brightness makes this a balanced but long-lasting mouthful with a clean, crisp, defined finish.
Appealing aromas of cherry and raspberry fruit with a trace of bonfire and floral perfume. A wine that whispers seductively rather than shouts. The red fruits promised by the nose are delivered on the palate: maraschino cherry, ripe raspberry and rich fruitcake – all sprinkled with bold spice. A light peppery nuance can be found too, lending the mouthful a vibrance and appealing energy. The buoyant fruit is countered by a deeper, loamy, forest floor element that demonstrates the balance of opposites. The cohesion of light and dark, delicacy and elegance with sinewy power lends agility and wonderful texture and tension of opposites. The oak is so well-knit it’s almost unobtrusive, lending structure and texture. Overall, a complex, rewarding and deliciously persistent mouthful.
Seductive and alluring spicy dark fruit compote scents mingle with abundant earth and a subtle floral fragrance. Velvety smooth, caressingly suave, supple and rich in the mouth. A textural delight because the mouthfeel is so seductive. Rich black cherry and plum abundance with spice notes lending brightness while the seamlessly integrated oak provides structure. Composed, well balanced with good backbone. The wine is rewardingly long with an inherent elegance and finesse.
Gentle nose of blue and black fruit with a brush of spice, dried herb, licorice and a haunting violet floral note. Those same elements can be found in the mouth: the ripe blue and black berry fruits, herb, licorice and spice. It is abundantly fruited but genteel, refined and velvety smooth –but also fresh and succulent. Nothing is overplayed, the palate is structured and integrated with seamless oaking contributing to the soft mouthfeel and texture and framing the fruit well. Rewarding lingering tail and elegant finish.
Cracked black pepper and herb aromas mingle with dark berry fruit compote on the nose. The palate is savoury with a succulence that is both refreshing and moreish. The silky mouthfeel is complemented by the ripe, dark fruit – blackberry and plum – along with a more savoury nuance of olive tapenade, spice and even a charcuterie/meatiness reminiscent of the Northern Rhône. Structured, firm body with integrated tannin demonstrating that the oak is in harmony with the fruit. It’s showing the impact of the prolonged drought in its tautness but will reward patience.
Appealing raspberry and plump cherry fruit aromas. The same succulence and rounded juicy dark fruit continues on the palate – with standout plum, cherry and raspberry flavours. A light baking spice nuance adds to the complexity and gentle Christmas cake appeal, along with supportive, seamless oak balance. Smooth textured and long with an enticing, dry yet fruited finish.
Florality is the first observation, both elderflower and orange blossom – but then a subtle coconut biscuit nuance becomes apparent on the nose. The palate is vibrant and tangibly crisp courtesy of its youth. Taut, focused, and vital with zesty citrus and even lemon pepper flavour. Its perkiness is not without form: the wine has good body and frame with an understated lees element lending it breadth and texture. Refreshing, bright and characterful, it drinks well now and will also reward patience.
