Hmmm – interesting wine. On the first sniff there was a hint of unwelcome aldehyde, on the second it was already transformed to flower petals. Slowly the aromas took on density if not so much depth. The flavour reminded me very-much of recently drunk Santenots – but on checking I was surprised to see that my last two were both from 2005, not 2006. There is width, a smattering of faintly astringent tannin and then a lovely extra dimension of creamy red fruit in the mid-palate. Just ripe enough and nicely plump yet almost good enough acidity. This is a very lovely glass and though perhaps missing a comparative hint of intensity, can stand next a decent bottle from 2005. Based on the price I paid, and by recent standards this is a super value bottle.

Medium, medium-plus colour. Very faint reduction plus higher tones, in the middle is a layer of tight fruit. Ripe flavours with understated tannin. The fruit is quite intense, but I expect a little more for the appellation. Good length though.

The nose is a little tight, but there are soft red fruit aromas. In the mouth this is nicely complex and less tannic than other Santenots I’ve tasted. The finish is nicely long. This a well-crafted wine.

A broad, soft red nose with an undercurrent of pot-pourri. Plenty of velvety, slightly astringent tannin, understated, balanced acidity and a good length – it seems to have all the necessary pieces.