Tasted blind at Southwold 2018. Deep ruby-purple colour. Bold with cassis and bramble fruit on the nose. There is a touch of cinnamon and clove together with sweet violets. The palate is fleshy on entry, bursting with dark cassis and roasted blackberries. This is tamed by a pure graphite tone and substantial structure. Seductive fruit sits against chalky, persistent and mouthcoating tannins. Flesh and structure move together to a long finish. This deserves a year or two in bottle before approaching to allow the tannins to integrate - it has slightly closed down since our tasting last year. If opening now, decant for at least an hour to fully enjoy. Combining elements of the 2010 and 2015, it should rise to its peak over the next 5 years and continue drinking well for over a decade.
