Inky violet color. A deeply perfumed, mineral-tinged bouquet displays aromas of ripe dark berries, cherry liqueur, exotic spices and incense, which are complemented by building floral, smoky bacon and olive notes. Palate-staining blackberry, cassis, fruitcake, licorice and succulent herb flavors show excellent depth and become sweeter and more energetic as the wine slowly stretches out. The spice and floral qualities repeat emphatically on the mineral-driven finish, which hangs on with superb tenacity and mounting tannins.

Cask sample. Fresh and fragrant on the nose with a posy of violets and ripe, energetic black fruit. Fine-grained tannins with lots of grip. Not heavy, with a sense of relief from juicy acidity. Long, savoury finish with a touch of liquorice emerging. (RH)