Colour - that beautiful transluscence that claret gets when its just come of age, but still deep, dark blood red with no amber and great brilliance.
The nose is hedonistic and forward with fruit - cherries and cassis with a roast herb earthiness in the background that dwindles to a nice perfume.
The palate is quite full and sexy - great fruit, again with cherries and cassis - pretty juicy stuff on the mid-palate. The tannins are supple and pure velvet. Fantastic mouthfeel compliments the fruit - the herbs on the nose are more subtle in the mouth, coming through on the finish with some violet undertones. Not the most deep or complex fine wine but still more balance and elegance than some superstars you'd find at twice the price. Ace, actually.
****
Tasted at Manuel House 29/6/2006
