On the nose, the wine is unusually open and giving, engaging the taster immediately. However, rather than rushing out of the glass, this is a more measured introduction, luring you in. Notes of small black cherries, violets, graphite, spice and a little pepper introduce themselves one by one, all in perfect detail. On the palate, there is a gear change,...

A little less intense and concentrated that its younger brother, the 2008 showed a delicate finesse with a layered, savoury quality and a gentle balance of herbs and dark fruits. There is a warm quality that comes through from the sophisticated oak which lingers on the finish. Overall this is a lovely wine with a very attractive and elegant pedigree.