- 97 points -

Deep, glass-staining violet. Powerful, mineral- and smoke-accented blueberry, cherry liqueur, incense and pipe tobacco aromas show outstanding definition and pick up suggestions of mocha and exotic spices with air. Offers deeply concentrated black/blue fruit, cherry-vanilla, espresso and bitter chocolate flavors; a spicy flourish emerges as the wine stretches out. Finishes smooth, energetic and extremely long, with youthful, slowly building tannins and lingering suggestions of candied flowers and smoky minerals.

- 97 points -

- 96 points -

The 2019 Estate Cuvée, a blend of 50% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot, has a deep ruby-purple color and fragrant aromas of cassis, licorice, dried roses, leather and youthful new oak spice. The full-bodied palate is silky and uplifted, with fine, savory accents and a very long, mineral-driven finish. It deserves another 3-5 years in bottle and will be long lived in the cellar.

- 96 points -

Violet vif. Un bouquet très complexe qui évoque des fruits noirs mûrs, des épices, des fleurs exotiques, ainsi que des notes d'encens, de vanille, de tabac à pipe et de réglisse confite. Enrobe le palais de saveurs de liqueur de baies noires, de gâteau aux épices et de rose qui sont complétés par une acidité juteuse. Imprensionnant dans sa concentration et vif, mais aussi montrant une superbe délimitation sur la finale aux accents floraux, qui est encadrée par des tannins poussiéreux qui sont rapidement absorbés par le fruit dense du vin.

- 96 points -

A blend of 49% Syrah, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon and 21% Petit Verdot, the 2017 Estate Cuvée has a very deep purple-black color and explosive nose of black cherry and boysenberry preserves, crème de cassis, cedar, violet, burnt orange peel, baker’s chocolate, thyme, grilled meats, loamy earth and Indian spices. The silky, full-bodied palate is expansive, spicy and floral laced, with a firm but incredibly pixelated frame and great freshness on the long, dense finish. This merits another 3-5 years in bottle at least.

- 95 points -

Opaque ruby. Expansive smoke- and spice-accented aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, vanilla and incense are complemented by hints of licorice and potpourri. Bright and energetic on the palate, offering penetrating blackberry, bitter cherry, blueberry and violet pastille flavors that become sweeter and deeper with air. Polished, harmonious tannins give shape and grip to an extremely long finish driven by sexy floral and spice notes.

- 94 points -

Powerful, concentrated and confident with added swagger. Owner Stephan Asseo has deftly brought out opulent swathes of redcurrant and raspberry fruits laced with liquorice and cigar that is both striking and moreish. 100% estate grown fruit cropped to low yields of under 30hl/ha. 90% new French oak, 10% one-year-old French oak, with malolactic fermentation in barrel. No fining, no filtering. 2,000 cases produced

- 92 points -

A chocolate-dusted nose with liquorice and cool blue fruit aromas. This has density with ripe and chewy fruit on the palate, similar to the other wines in the L'Aventure range, they major on cool blue fruits, berries and plums. The texture is smooth but this has layers of fruit, spice, caramel, sweetness and savouriness with a long finish. The alcohol is high with a hint of spice on the finish bringing it slightly into focus. A blend of 50% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 15% Petit Verdot from 100% estate grown fruit. Wines are aged for 15 months, 81% in new French oak and 19% one-year-old French oak with malolactic fermentation in barrel. No fining or no filtering.

- 17 points -

Very dark crimson. Thick and sweet. Rather comforting – a bit like a woollen blanket. And although the alcohol is monstrous, the balance seems ok. There is a little heat on the end but, compared with Clos Apalta for example, there is no green streak and the fruit/acid balance seems fine. Quite a surprise. Even if halfway to port.

15.5

Deep purple. Cassis, blackberry and burnt rubber on the nose. Tarry black fruit and blackberry jelly on the palate. Remarkably like a Black Forest gateau! This is a pudding of a dry wine, with sweet spice and glossy black fruit to the finish