L'ORMARINS PRIVATE CUVÉE 2017

Lemon and grapefruit zest aromas with a dusty flint edge. Those same flavours immediately announce themselves on the palate, bright, tangy and vivacious. The interplay of fruit and zingy acid is beautifully harmonious and well judged. Underpinning it all is a structured, subtle lees depth which lends both body and length to the succulent mouthful.

A subtle trace of violets and graphite underpins the bolder aromas of blue and black fruit. Similarly, on the palate a subtle spice element tempers the ripe, rich, rounded and juicy mouthful. A cocoa powder nuance lends the overall palate a Black Forest gateaux vibe because of the black cherry vibrance. Elegant, cohesive and structured with the oak supporting the fruit beautifully. Lovely leashed power and restraint followed by a long tail.

The seduction begins with dark fruitcake on the nose, with a wisp, or mere suggestion, of dried lavender florality. Velvety, sleek, supple, polished and glossy entry to the mouth. Confident and poised. An abundance of rich fruitcake, tobacco leaf, plum and cedar spice mingle happily. The palate is nuanced, layered and complex: simultaneously seductive and engaging but not ponderous. Rewardingly succulent with seamlessly integrated oak, it is restrained, refined and elegantly genteel with a lingering farewell. Beautifully harmonious and composed to the end.

Citrus leaf, nectarine and baked artisanal bread aromas mingle with notes of kelp and sea spray. Tangy, zippy and fresh entry with bright pops of lemon, grapefruit and orange zest. The palate is lively and energetic, courtesy of its vivid acidity, with a slight edge of limestone, oyster shell and flint lending a dryness. That brightness then makes way for an ample, richer, altogether more leesy, baked sourdough and yeasty breadth. Harmony of citrus fruit, acid and mature autolytic notes is impeccable and as a consequence, the genteel, elegant power of the wine is restrained and lengthy while clean and crisp.