Deep colour – actually there’s still just the merest hint of cherry-red at the rim. The reticent nose is rather brooding, alternately showing some lovely pure blackcurrant fruit then a rather more mineral note – not unlike the graphite of a Paulliac, perhaps hints of licorice too. Very well textured – you really have to roll the wine around your mouth to find the tannins as they still have plenty of dark fruit coverage – faint grain can be found eventually. There’s real concentration here and quite a burst on the mid-palate too. The acidity is just right, only on the finish does this wine hint at its origins – medium-plus length at best. This wine delivers much more than I expected, and in a very understated way – it probably requires at least 3-5 years more in the cellar – but this bottle was far from sacrificed.

Deep colour though already showing some development. Nose is intense and less primary compared to the first tasting a year ago. The palate shows good acidity and tannin, coupled with deep fruit just shaded towards black. This is very ripe. Medium-plus length. Still a bit forthright for real enjoyment now, but good wine.

Deep colour though already showing some development. Nose is intense and less primary compared to the first tasting a year ago. The palate shows good acidity and tannin, coupled with deep fruit just shaded towards black. This is very ripe. Medium-plus length. Still a bit forthright for real enjoyment now, but good wine.