Powerful yet refined aromas of rich dark fruits such as satsuma plum, blackberry and mulberry fill the bouquet complimented by cacao bean and roast espresso. Alluring spices such as cinnamon and liquorice balanced by savoury notes of wet earth and native eucalypt combine with added complexities. The palate possesses a rich concentration, balanced by round and soft tannins and enveloping mouthfeel.
The minute long flavours linger long after the wine has been swallowed. Held together with a tight tannin profile and generous yet proportionate oak and balanced acidity, the 2016 shows all the opulence and elegance of previous Laird’s, but with a complexity, precision and prominence that will make sure it ages gracefully for the next 30 - 50 years.
Despite a dry winter during 2015, and a dry start to the summer growing season, rains in January freshened the older vines and provided long, slow ripening periods in between, which led to a stand-out vintage with high quality fruit. It was the earliest ever harvest of The Laird on record (19th February West, 2nd March East), with both parcels picked before another rain event in the second week of March.
This resulted in higher than average bunch numbers laden with tiny berries, leading to extremely concentrated ferments. Even at that early stage, it was clear we potentially had the best young Laird we had ever seen in our cellars.