Brick Bay Martello Rock 2007 12.5%abv

N: Earth, new leather and fruity all rolled in together with a flourish of violets as a high note; hints of tobacco and chocolate then plum and wild berries emerge – a sense of richness to come.

P: Dry and for some very dry, but this is a wine built on a foundation of balance between classic Bordeaux fruit flavours, spicy oak tannins and an undertone of brown soil and clay flavour suggestions. Each component of this wine demands the attention of the other and collectively a lovely package. A complex wine that requires a simple, but equally full-flavoured main course, a cheese board; or if you’re game a great cigar followed by strong black coffee.

Balanced, well made and very giving although the tannins need at least 3 to 5 years to weave and soften throughout the wine  - if well cellared. 4 ½ stars.