Colour: darkened deep red.
Nose: ample self-standing fruits already beginning to yield to other vinous intents. Cola, grated chocolate, and cappuccino dust bind with juniper and spices. A flash of brown sugar and licorice – not quite in the Marsala spectrum – instead, brandy impressions replaced by blood orange rind. Oak is somewhat partially hidden, yet faint scents of cedar and graphite lobby for further bottle maturation. Unabashed (Baby Grange) complexities.
Palate: instantly fresh and fleshy. Expected licorice, stewed plum, and blackcurrant, with dark chocolate and mocha in the background. Savoury and salivating – mouth-watering, succulent acidity. This acidity interplays with integrated tannins – coating the mouth and adding length, with concentration, and a mandatory Bin 389 ‘sweet’ core; oak is completely absorbed. Polished and refined.
Food pairing: excellent pairing with beef, especially beef stew with lentils and other rich meat dishes, lard, potatoes fried in duck fat.
Serving temperature: 16-18 oC.
