JM 1ST APPROACH

From the first look at the colour, dark black red, through the perfumed nose, then the power packed palate, this is clearly going to be a class wine! ... dark fruits, black berries, plums, liquorice, then opening up to add touches of vanilla, a sliver of chocolate, spices and a hint of cream. The palate too is super intense, densely packed fruits, layers of black berry, plum, super ripe raspberries and liquorice, with a really creamy mouthfeel. The finish is very long, with loads of soft and fine tannins.

This is a wine with power, yet structure, intense and tight, with a huge future in front of it. Indeed, it was at its best, and getting better, three hours later. Class all the way! Gavin Trott

multiple layers of the full-bodied palate; blackberry, anise, bitter chocolate and cedary oak are among some of the flavours; others will no doubt find more, and I won't complain. The most unexpected feature of an unexpected wine is the freshness and elegance of the finish; this is masterful winemaking. 96 points James Halliday

THE WINE FRONT - Campbell Mattinson, - This mourvedre from Turkey Flat spent 20 months in French oak puncheons. We have another winning mourvedre here. It's dark berried and earthen, leathery and polished. Spicy, cedary oak makes a delicious contribution and its grainy, assertive, rusty tannin is a highlight. Lovely length. Medium-bodied but almost porty in its ripeness. Beautiful wine to drink even now though it can be cellared with confidence too. Rating: 94 Points

Black core with a brick red rim. Dark plum, mulberry and blackberry are harmonious with black pepper, cedar and hints of vanilla. A rich confit of black fruits, liquorice and dark chocolate combine to build a full bodied style with balanced acidity and firm chewy tannins.

It's medium to full bodied, crunchy fresh and cool, expressive and juicily vibrant with tannin that bobs and weaves, and fans out on the long finish. Almost like a Pinot Noir in some respects, but not. But gee it's good though. Drinking it makes you feel like interesting things are happening, somewhere out there in the world. Rating : 95 Points Drink : 2014 - 2030