Deep red colour, faint purple in the rim with some brick-red reflections. Very toasty, earthy bouquet; developed and mellowing, no primary fruit discernible, with roasting pan flavours and some 'crushed ant' and toasty barrel flavours, some chocolate and espresso coffee notes. The texture is smooth and fleshy, soft and rich, dense and concentrated with loads of supple tannins underlining it. Dusty, earthy, developing flavours. Good drinking in a big 'Ocker' style, and quite a triumph for the year.