The second half of a recently Coravin’d 75cl bottle, decanted for an hour before trying. The first half was magical, hoping for the same again…

Mid ruby, hint of orange around the rim. Legs abundantly coating the glass telling me there is more fun ahead!

Nose is dark cherry, macerated strawberry, ripe blackberry, really ripe to overripe plum and cassis syrup encompassed in a lightly mushroomy, damp forest floor and cedar envelope. There are accents of spicy clove, menthol, vanilla pod, burnt toast and some newly sawn wood providing beautiful contrast between the ripe dark fruit and the lifted spiciness. I could just sit and inhale this all day (but that would defeat the purpose of the tasting note…)

The first thing you experience on the palate is bright red and black fruit, tart acidity and very refined yet abundant mouth filling tannins. The lingering flavours deepen into a menthol covered dark cherry, black currant and plum coulis with a hint of smokey dark chocolate. The finish is long, approaching the 45 second mark to still get the fruit elements and well beyond to still feel the structural aftermath of this very complete wine. As the wine continues to open, the fruit sweetens and darkens further in the mouth while the tannins are ever present and lingering. The bright acidity keeps this whole wine perfectly in balance. My estimation is this wine will easily go another 25 years if stored well.

A true Bordeaux classic from a top notch Chateau.