Honeyed and marmalade-like at first, with apricot, stewed red fruit and herbal tea developing into dried black fruit, fallen leaves, potting soil and a faint tobacco note. The palate is medium-bodied and elegant, with softened tannins, gentle acidity and exceptional length. Give it time in the glass for initial muskiness to lift, then serve with duck or earthy mushroom dishes.

Mature red cherry and floral notes meet mushroom, wet leaves, earth and a quiet umami edge. The palate retains a rich core of fruit, with fine acidity and softened structure giving it more life than the evolved nose suggests. Savoury woodland detail carries the finish. Bottle variation is pronounced at this age, so stand upright and decant gently only as needed.