The preceding winter was unusually dry, with frosty nights and clear days. The rain instead came in spring, and the luxuriantly growing vines benefited from the greenhouse effect. The indicators were of a hot dry summer, although only a serious burst of heat was experienced in mid January and again at the end of February; otherwise it was a mild summer, which had a significant delaying effect on the ripening process.

Intense, mature, blackberry fruit, spicy cassis, anise and sweet perfumed aromas of violets complexed by cloves and cedar/cigar box.

A well-structured seamless and opulent palate, rich, soft and beautifully balanced finishing long with very fine- grained tannins.

Deep crimson in colour.

Large buttered ravioli braised beef and mushrooms with truffle oil and a lightly shaved Parmesan.

An early onset of autumn caused a late harvest, with average yields, good to exceptional quality and intense flavour in the grapes.