Medium to deep garnet-purple in color, the 2018 Grand Mayne sashays out of the glass with flashy, upfront notes of preserved plums, stewed black cherries and blackberry pie, plus hints of eucalyptus, wild sage, lavender and cloves. The full-bodied palate is seductively fruity with a sturdy frame of chewy tannins and just enough freshness, finishing with a spicy kick.

The 2018 Grand Mayne is deep garnet-purple colored and gives up a nose of baked blackberries, prunes and raisin cake with touches of dusty soil, sautéed herbs and fungi. Full and concentrated, with a firm, chewy texture, it delivers a spicy finish. - Lisa Perrotti-Brown, April 2019, The Wine Advocate

Black-cherry colour. Prettily scented even though there’s black-fruit intensity on the nose. More gentle than some, with soft, thick tannins but balanced with a chocolate-textured, slightly chewy finish. Just fresh enough. - Julia Harding, jancisrobinson.com, April 2019

70% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Franc; 70% new oak. Barrel sample. Black-cherry colour. Prettily scented even though there’s black-fruit intensity on the nose. More gentle than some, with soft, thick tannins but balanced with a chocolate-textured, slightly chewy finish. Just fresh enough. (JH)