L'Aventure : Estate Reserve 2022

A complex and inviting nose of mulberries, black olives, dried herbs and game meat. The palate is full-bodied with chalky tannins and energetic acidity, showing notes of blackcurrants, cedar, tobacco leaves and earth. The flagship wine of the estate that was once called Estate Cuvee, but from 2022 onward is named the Estate Reserve. Made from a blend of 55% syrah, 33% cabernet sauvignon and 12% petit verdot. Incredibly complex and masterfully constructed. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.

55% Syrah, 33% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Petit Verdot. Late-season heatwave: 10 days at over 40 °C from 31 August. Harvest 26 August to 3 October. Aged for 21 months in 83% new French oak, 17% second-use French oak with malolactic conversion in barrel. Bottled without fining or filtration July 2024. Light nose but well-balanced palate with all the ingredients well integrated. Dry but not drying finish. A sensible hand on the tiller here, with lots of potential for further, more subtle development. (JR)