A subtle bit of alcohol heat at the end works very well with a concentrated blast of ripe, dark fruit in the middle. Lots of punch and depth. Refreshing!

Decant this big boy for a couple of hrs or open night before. Deep ruby in the glass with violet streaks. The nose is extremely animal here. Brett, leather, sausage, toasty oak, mocha and licorice dominate. Aromas of violets, dried blueberry, dark cherry and fig come through after hrs of decanting. The palate is dry, full bodied, gripping tannins and balanced with acidity. All those funky aromas replay in the mouth with fruit and creamy-vanilla flavours on the finish. This wine is wild yet refined. Try with venison stew or coffee-chocolate cheesecake. Will hold till 2014. Tasted Nov '11