Plummy fruit, dark cherries and savoury notes of pan juices all line up with good intent. The trouble is the acidity has other ideas. Firm and lemony in its expression, it charges through the palate with determination and ultimately steals much of the spotlight.
The result feels a touch disjointed. The fruit repeatedly tries to dance across the stage, but the acidity remains determined to play the hero. A blanket of warmth further complicates the picture, creating a distraction even as the wine evolved.
To its credit, day two brought noticeable improvement. The edges softened and the fruit gained a little more breathing room. Even then, the wine finished firm, carrying a tense acidic line that dominated the close. I'd prefer others.
85/100
Region: Hilltops
