Tasting notes

2009:  A blend of 76% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot and 9% Cabernet Franc.  The aromas are dominated by oak at the moment, although there are fine red and dark berries and minerals present too.  On the palate the wine is ripe, rich and dense and yet elegant, with very precise, linear flavours framed by very fine tannins and soft, fresh acidity.  Very good complexity already and a long finish, this just needs time to evolve.  95-97 points, drink 2025-2040.  April 2010.

2007:  A blend of 82% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc and 8% Merlot.  Aromas of blueberries and olive, which give way to plum, blackcurrant and minerals on the palate.  Quite a degree of power, with

almost imperceptible tannin, good complexity and length, but a feeling of brooding potential - this will offer more in the years ahead.  Reminiscent of 2004 Latour at this stage.  93-95 points, drink 2017-2030.  April 2008.

2005:  Simply beautiful, fresh, very vibrant aromas of florals, minerals, plum and dark berries.  Lovely style and structure in the mouth, very well-balanced already, with lovely fruit, minerals and spice, layers of flavour, great complexity and incredible length of finish.  A triumph!  94-97 points, drink 2010-2040.  May 2006.

2001:  Beautiful fine cedar aromas along with plum, minerals and herbs.  Still quite firm and structured at the moment, but with lovely sweet fruit, very good complexity and excellent length, this wine should improve with another five years’ ageing.  92 points, drink 2011-2025.  May 2006.

1996:  Very fine, and almost brooding aromas of spice, minerals, blackcurrant and plum.  On the palate the wine is very refined and elegant, although with latent power lurking beneath the surface.  Very complex and compelling, with fine, ripe and quite structured tannins, very complex and lengthy on the finish, quite delicious.  There is a sense of unfinished business with this wine - it needs time to fully-evolve.  Almost slatey minerals.  Tremendous wine.  96 points, drink 2012-2026.  June 2005.

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