An incredible wine from a marvellous vintage in the Columbia Valley. Intensely perfumed Asian spices, black and blue fruits, plus a whiff of cocoa powder and lavender. Lightly tannic, the palate reveals a wonderful tension, where flavours of ripe date and mocha combine with creosote and black liquorice. The long, mineral and black fruit finish is lifted by light herbal tones. Sensational now, this has at least another decade ahead of it.

Perhaps showing a bit of bottle variance, the 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon is beginning to show signs of its age with aromas of black olive and dusty blackberries with nuances of stewed plum. The full-bodied palate shows firm tannins with a sweet frame and dark fruit-leather essence before elements of Chambord rise up on the long spicy finish with an alcoholic lift. I don’t think the wine will be able to live as long as was previously thought. Drink before 2030.