This is the first First Growth to see the hands of Ox Hardy. The difference is telling with the fruit picked a little earlier and certainly not as ripe as the 2018 vintage. There is a shape and prestige about its carry that is easy to admire. Pointed to a long future, stash this away to be rewarded deluxe.
Only produced in "exceptional years", red fruit, blackberries and chocolate move to dense plums, licorice bullets and roasted peppers. I looked at this over three days and it grew into its shoes beautifully. Some expected cigar box and mintiness gain traction with dried oregano scattered about. Fine cocoa tannins have the last say on a long and persistent finish. It's a wine that builds steadily and shows its class, the balance is in a neat groove. Longevity is undisputed and this will comfortably live beyond a decade.
95/100
Region: CoonawarraSource: Sample
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