The bouquet has a musty, slightly off smell. The wine itself is subdued, with a hint of pepper. Unfortunately the flaws in this wine become more apparent in the second glass. Rather a disappointment given David's positive review.

Update: Unfotunately I bought two of these, based on the review. But I can tell you that it was not just one bad bottle. This wine is a stinker.

A deep plum color, this wine opens up with aromas of plumy-blackberry fruit, dried violet, white pepper, meaty and dry spices notes. On the mouthfeel, medium-full bodied , black fruit flavours and rustic with fresh acidity and fined-grained tannins. Dry with a good length on the finish with blackberry and crushed stone texture lingering. Very interesting and enjoyable, better served with food (would be great with lamb).

This wine offers the complexity and finesse of an old world pinot and the body and structure more akin to what I would expect from hotter climate syrahs. I concure on the notes of currant, black cherries, smoke, green pepper and a hint of sweet pine.

A stand out for the price, with some short term aging potential.

Tasted Sept. 2012.

92
May 2013