Shockingly dark color (charred barrels?), this wine opened up with aromas of black plums, blackberry jam, dried figs, damp earth, liquorice and spices. On the mouthfeel, full-bodied, bold flavours, creamy texture, balanced acidity and sweet grainy tannins. Very good weight and length on the finish with flavours of smoky black fruit, liquorice, spices with and underlying earthiness and those same grainy tannins lingering. Quite an interesting, robust and flavourful wine here, a candidate for short term ageing, 1-2 years. Pair with BBQ red meat, pasta, tomatoes and sausage, strong cheese or pizza after a 1 hour decant. This is a very enjoyable, great value and a made to please blend, strongly recommended.

Aromas of chalk, prune and raisin follow through on the palate. Dusty tannins with medium acidity and long finishing. Tasted Apr/2013.