Compote of red and black berry fruit dusted with baking spice on the nose. Lovely interplay of ripe, yet lively hedgerow and dark fruit with spice, bright succulence and a deeper, earthier cocoa note. Rounded, plush and rich, the wine is elegant, polished and statuesque. Seamless integration of fruit and sympathetic oak adds to the overall impression of harmony. Focused and long with a rewarding finish.
Enveloping aromas of leather, cigar box, tobacco leaf and spice with ripe fruity notes of plum and black berries. The overall impression is one of refinement and elegance – albeit on a powerful but suave palate. Those same dark fruit compote notes are found in the mouth, with spicy cinnamon and nutmeg vibrance alongside. Beautifully textured, with a plush, softness and approachability which belies the nuanced impression of a darker, more potent leashed muscularity lurking below. It’s almost impossible to discern where fruit ends and oak begins so superbly meshed and harmonious are these components. There is nothing harsh, hard or astringent on this version of a grape cultivar known for it. Attractively dry and generous with a lingering spicy farewell.
Rich Christmas pudding with spice and a hint of dried flowers on the nose. The palate offers instant appeal in its warm, smooth, richly fruited entry. Lovely interplay of flavour and texture – dark chocolate, blueberries, a touch of liquorice and dried herbs set against an earthy depth and integrated frame of polished oak.
Layered nose of inviting tea leaf, violets, dark Christmas cake and black cherries. The palate is also layered, rich with those same elements – Christmas cake sumptuousness vying with brewed tea, tomato leaf and spicy, cedary hints from time in barrel. Seductive, plush and elegantly refined but with a muscular power lurking deep down, this is an impressive, structured but rewarding wine. The integration of wood and fruit is impressive and it is beautifully balanced and long. The aftertaste lingers.
Bold purple plums, black cherries and perfume with subtle edge of cut flower stems on the nose. The palate is taut, needing a bit of time and air to reveal its strata of spicy purple and black berry fruits. There’s an oak edge which lends both spice and structure to the wine while acidity adds freshness and piquancy. Savoury, tangy and tasty with a long tail, it will reward patience.
Complex bouquet of fruitcake, cedar, cocoa and a perfumed whiff of dried lavender. Broad, fleshy and succulent with all of that the nose promises being delivered on the palate. Spice sprinkled cedar with rich dark fruitcake flavour. Wonderfully soft, rounded and silky palate that shows cohesion and refinement. Impressive density and concentration that doesn’t overwhelm. Nor does the oak used in the maturation of this impressive blend. Plush, comfortable and eminently rewarding with a lingering dry tail.
Complex bouquet of fruitcake, cedar, cocoa and a perfumed whiff of dried lavender. Broad, fleshy and succulent with all of that the nose promises being delivered on the palate. Spice sprinkled cedar with rich dark fruitcake flavour. Wonderfully soft, rounded and silky palate that shows cohesion and refinement. Impressive density and concentration that doesn’t overwhelm. Nor does the oak used in the maturation of this impressive blend. Plush, comfortable and eminently rewarding with a lingering dry tail.
Delicate hints of lavender add interest to the nose which boasts poached plum, spice, dried herbs and polished oak. The mouth is rich and rounded with beautiful velvety smooth texture. All of which serves as a backdrop to the flavours of black fruits, plum compote, baking spices and herbs. A light sprinkling of pepper and fynbos adds vibrance while the oak is seamlessly meshed providing a frame for the whole mouthful.
