Intense black-cherry colour with good depth of colour & hardly any signs of evolution. Very expressive aromas on the nose with notes of liquorice, cinnamon & black pepper, with just a subtle hint of the long cask-ageing, thanks to its great complexity & ripe, concentrated fruit. Fresh & easy to drink on the palate, good backbone & lovely, polished tannins. The long, persistent finish leaves gentle balsamic reminders of the finest top quality. This wine goes well with ham, mild cheeses, casseroles which are not highly spiced, bean & pulse dishes, poultry, red meat, grills & roasts.