Dark violet and black; pigmented. Dark berry fruits and earth; white chocolate freshly grated; plums in the fruit bowl for a day or two. The aromatics are that of restrained headiness and of lavish quietude. This red wine smells of the earth but also of the fruit’s perfect ripeness and of judicious oak’s savour. Underlying all is a constant waft of liquorice, aniseed, bay leaf and fresh herbs. Aromatically a very moveable target, which adds to the intrigue. A plummy and creamy texture - the texture - is the first impression. Then you notice a graphite and mineral quality. Then a sweet and savoury line runs through the middle palate, around which is woven a three dimensional strand of Mclaren Vale’s very demonstrable genetics: earth, plums, spice, and white chocolate. To the eye this red wine might seem powerful, to the nose prettily handsome, but to the taste it brings a grounded and welcoming balance.