Colour
Deep red, crimson on edge.
Nose
At first more European in gait, possessive of an Old World charm – yet tell-tale Penfolds barrel ferment formics soon arise.
Nevertheless, Chesterfield leather, pipe tobacco and cigar, classy pencil shavings oak (French?)… mahogany aromatics continue to conspire.
Brown sugar, clove, star anise, cardamom notes arise, unconcerned of parentage.
Palate
Medium-bodied. Complete dimensionally – weight and length, grip and attack.
Wild raspberry, stewed rhubarb and red nectarine fruits laced with sarsaparilla and malt.
Oak stands apart, an added and enhanced feature (cleaved, compartmentalised), punctuated by raspy tannins.