Tasting notes

2007:  A blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Merlot.  Soft, fresh aromas of rose, plum and red fruits.  On the palate the wine is much gentler than the 2006, with a soft, ripe texture, moderate complexity and good length of finish.  While not an especially serious wine, it will be a delight to drink in the short to medium-term.  89-91 points, drink 2009-2018.  April 2008.

2006:  A blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon and 30% Merlot.  Quite subdued aromatics, with some lovely soft red fruits on the palate.  Quite firmly structured, yet with enough underlying fruit and acidity, as well as some minerality.  Some complexity and good length - should age well.  90-92 points, drink 2013-2025.  April

2008.

2005:  A blend of 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Merlot, aged in 30% new oak.  Slightly reserved aromatically, although with coaxing it shows a little dark plum, herb and berry.  On the palate the wine is plush and supple, with fine tannins and balancing acidity along with quite pure, ripe yet restrained fruit.  Builds complexity on the palate, very lengthy finish - so fine and pure.  Fresh and very tasty, this must be one of, if not the, greatest HBL yet.  92-94 points, drink 2015-2025.  May 2006.  Two years on the wine had lovely fresh aromas of red currants, quite fresh and juicy in style, with quite firm yet very fine tannins, very good complexity and length of flavour.  Should evolve extremely well.  93 points, drink 2015-2035.  April 2008.

2001:  Somewhat austere aromas of lead pencil, blackcurrant and minerals.  On the palate the wine is fine yet quite firm, showing plenty of tannin, which is overshadowing the gentle fruit at this stage.  Moderate complexity and good length of finish, quite an old-fashioned wine.  86 points, drink 2009-2016 (May 2005).

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