Brooding and tightly wound on first pour, it opens with an array of dark fruits. Think blackberries, dark cherries and plums that gradually reveal a gentle cola lift with some air. The palate shifts confidently into savoury territory, where notes of meat jus and cured meats add depth and intrigue. Layers of dark chocolate and finely handled oak frame the fruit, while a subtle granite-like minerality lends precision. A dusting of black pepper spice carries through the finish, enhancing the wine’s complexity. Structurally, it is firm and composed, with tightly knit tannins and a line of persistent acidity that keeps the profile fresh and energetic. Still youthful, it has the balance and concentration to evolve gracefully, rewarding cellaring over the next 5 to 8 years. A big tick from me.
91/100
Region: Blackwood Valley
