A mild and dry winter was followed by a cool and rainy spring, which affected flowering and fruit set and resulted in lower yields. However, a mild summer with cool nights rescued the vintage and allowed for a well-paced slow ripening. Aged for 30 months in new 1,200-litre French oak. The current release, from a cool year not picked until the end of September. TA 5.3 g/l, pH 3.6, RS 1.3 g/l.
Looks more evolved at the rim than the 2014. A little herbal note on the nose – tea leaves? And still that freshness. Dry but not drying end. Really pretty glorious even if it’s still very young.
Following a mild summer with cool nights, this beautifully structured vintage has exemplary, powder-fine tannins, persistent acidity and great purity of fresh blood plum and blackberry. Long, harmonious and finely honed, with delicate cedar lift, it was the first vintage in the flight to be aged exclusively in 1,200-litre French oak (100% new). Terrific finesse. Eminently broachable but ageworthy too.
Drinking Window 2022 - 2036