Open ripe, earthy fine paprika and smoked chorizo aromas, some confit tomato, cedar wood and cigar smoke hints, palate solid with big tannins and quite grainy on finish. Still lots of tannin, bit hard. Youthful – magnum, bottle probably better now.
Mahogany with brick orange rim, wonderful lustre still for age, nose open old Italian piedmont character, like an old Barolo with a touch of olorosso sherry, rancio nuts, leather, sous bois, figs seche, prunes, round soft palate frits still sweet, superb.
Ronan is an excellent organiser and mentor and has one of the best wine knowledge in UK.
Isa Bal MS, Head Sommelier, The Fat Duck