Series M Vertical 2014, 2017, 2021

Deep red and black fruit leads this Merlot driven vintage of the Series M. A nose of blackberries, black cherries, raspberry and beef bouillon is followed by balsamic, dried flowers and chocolate with a beautiful perfume undertone. The palate is soft and inviting with good weight and composure. Cellaring this wine will enhance integration and flavour complexity and will reward the collector.

Series M 2017 is the culmination of nature and nurture; a symphony of the senses. This harmonious blend combines plummy hues with an inky, garnet red colour. Offering warm vanilla, ripe raspberry and Asian plum aromas on entry; this focused and pure rendition of Series M deepens to pencil lead, a terracotta earthen character and delicate pressed violets when afforded greater airtime. Beautifully nuanced in its measured energy, the palate is fresh and elegant, graceful and complete. Seductively smooth on entry, swelling in intensity with a succulent core and culminating in a soft, round finish full of sour cherry and chocolate. Tannins are multi-layered, polished and lithe, adding to the balanced structure. Although immediately engaging, this blend requires time to express full concentration and will mature most gracefully, rewarding the patient collector.

A masterpiece. The Series M 2021 is enticingly dense with complex and exotic aromas and rich with flavour, owing to the Merlot and Malbec components that define this blend. It presents an opaque purple-black hue, with little variation from its centre to the glass’s edge. As it unwinds in the glass, savoury charcuterie and sweet baking spices give way to fragrant, zesty bergamot and jasmine tea. Seductively well-articulated fruit notes of ripe mulberry, blackberry and red currants are complemented by hints of star anise and dried mandarin rind. A subtle underlying ferrous tone of intrigue. The palate is beautifully round and effortlessly long. A texture reminiscent of crushed velvet envelops the senses, revealing a pleasurable structure, abundant yet precise power, and a supple, mouth-coating quality. Gorgeous umami flavours of Parma ham harmonize seamlessly with a saline minerality, culminating in an intense, fruit-driven finish. While the 2021 Series M is already complete in its youth, this blend will reward those who exercise patience, as it continues to evolve and develop complexity. Enjoy now or cellar for two decades or more.