The Chocolate Block * 2021 * 375 ml

The nose offers a brooding compote of dark fruit with an abundance of perfume and savoury whiffs of cured meat, black olives and cigar box. The palate shows red and dark berry fruit with flavours of ripe, red plums, blueberries, black cherries and tar evident on the mid-palate. The violets and spice of the nose follows through with a vibrant acidity and smooth, fleshy texture. Blackberries and liquorice linger in the mouth with hints of dark chocolate and sweet tobacco.

73% Syrah, 11% Grenache, 8% Cinsault, 7% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1% Viognier

John Platter: 4.5 stars, Tim Atkin: 92 points, Robert Parker: 91 points