KNAPPOGUE CASTLE 2000 Ex Libris Winds Of May Antipodes

Nose : full, fleshy. With a very pleasant vinosity (black grape), the first nose takes us quickly to a lagare vat where the grapes have just been crushed underfoot. The incredibly delicate aroma palette is also finely oxidative (crushed apricot, brandied cherry, strawberry and raspberry). Gradually, notes of prune appear alongside dark chocolate, fig and tobacco. Superb.

Appearance : cuivre rose.

Palate : svelte, lively. On the attack, cocoa powder spreads across the taste buds. Next, candied fruit (apricot, peach) and plantain banana bring the flavour palette lots of charm. On the mid-palate, citrus fruits (mandarin, orange) make a very well-timed entrance. The end of the palate is refreshed with various infusions (black tea, sage, absinthe) and eucalyptus flavours.

Overall : long, silky. The mineral start of the finish (slate) wavers between heady florals (hawthorn, honeysuckle, gillyflower), red and black fruits (strawberry, grape, cherry) and spices (curry, cinnamon, ginger). Like a delicious crème brûlée, the retro-nasal olfaction is incredibly smooth. The empty glass reveals particularly intense fragrances of lime blossom, elderflower and forest floor (mushroom, lichen).