The Auswine Forum

Deep purple in colour - almost black. There's some brightness or glossiness in the appearance.

Rich and complex nose, with mulberries, juicy blackberries, lots of dark berry fruit. The fruit sweetness is palpable, but offset by savoury oak, and a small amount of tobacco. There's vanilla as well.

The sweet berry fruit gives way a little on the palate, where grippy tannins and noticeable oak take over to an extent. The vanilla comes through in taste as well as aroma, and there's a taste of pencil shavings. There's still plenty of fruit, just better balanced by other savoury characters. Full bodied, with a long finish.

I could be drinking this a couple of years too early. No rush to drink these.

Cheers
Allan

It's now a couple of years since the last tasting (and the note above). I think my guess that I could be drinking it too early has turned out to be correct.

The colour has lightened perceptibly, but is still at the deep purple end of the spectrum. The range of berries is still there, and has developed somewhat into fruit conserve, although there's still a little fruit freshness. A good balance here, at least for my palate. Vanilla and oak characters are still in a supporting role, and the nose overall is full of interest.

The oak has softened a little on the palate and the tannins are fully integrated. The finish has softened a little, but remains full and long.

This is in a really good place right now, but I would suggest from previous experience that there's no rush to drink the remaining bottles - it will hold well.

Cheers
Allan