Most definitely needed decanting to open up aromatically. Once it did, the initial dense earthy and tarmacadam notes opened up to reveal tobacco, leather, Damson plum, vanilla, baking spices. While the fruit was still evident, overall there was an earthiness which added depth.

On the palate, plums, mocha and currants. The fruit is more subdued, with herbaceous notes more predominant. Tannins have mellowed, but this is still a hefty wine, with a long chewy finish.

A decade on, this was pouring nicely.

Tasted November 2015.