The Casillero del Diablo Merlot is bright dark and deep purple. Subtle aromas of chocolate, dark plums, red berries and spices, with hints of vanilla and smoke. Medium-bodied, with lovely tannins, velvety texture, rich and a long, pretty finish.
The first layer of aromas is highlighted with black forest fruits, predominantly blackberries and wild berries. Soon after the toasted notes of the barreling reveal a greater complexity, complemented with spiced notes, principally of pepper. On the palate, the tannins are firm from the outset and the fruit is mature.
A bit brooding at first, this takes a minute to open up. Baking spices, blueberry and cassis, reveal lifted red fruits and cinnamon, wrapped up in a toasty oak. The palate is medium bodied with juicy red cherries, soft acid and fine chalky tannins.
Chianti is Italy's most famous red, and this wine is up there with the best. Medium bodied, full of juicy, plummy fruit aromas and flavours supported by earthy notes and backed by supple tannins.
The Parson is a lively berry-scented drop with a hint of black pepper on the nose. Shiraz fruit floods the mouth with good depth and persistence, finishing dry and firm.
The Vicar Shiraz displays charismatic layers of aniseed, rosemary and cured meats, which are seamlessly interwoven into the poised savoury texture. The harmonious balance of the cascading layers of varietal flavour, palate weight, grainy tannin and acidity will ensure that the wine will develop further complexity over the next 15 to 20 years.