Stonyridge
Larose 2007 750ml

The wine looks dark and dense, with quite a generous nose for this stage, exhibiting ripe berry fruit, cassis and cedar oak with hints of sweet mint, chocolate and earthy notes. There is a brooding complexity lurking beneath the bright primary fruit. The aromas lead faithfully on to the palate which is flooded with rich fruit. The customary ripe tannins are well balanced by fine acidity and the judicious use of oak adds to the structure of the wine.

The nose reminds me of Xmas pudding packed with berries, raisins and supported by violets and a subtle hint of lavender. The palate is gamey, rich and complex and layered only showing you tiny glimpses of the full picture of a full flavoured mouth filling wine. Even after decanting the wine for more than 2 ½ hours - this wine is packed with detail that can’t be completely appreciated this young in its life, though please be clear the wine is no less enjoyable - though it is clear there is still so much to learn and explore.

Encépagement: Cabernet Sauvignon 55%, Malbec 21%, Merlot 11%, Petit Verdot 11%, Cabernet Franc 2%