Veritas 2003 - Bronze
Clear ruby with youthful pink hues; the rim bright. An immediate waft of fine oak aromas: clean cedar and sweet vanilla, followed by a rush of ripe fruit - dark berries and satsuma plums in profusion - with interesting hints of mint and chocolate. A smooth and silky entry onto the palate. Generous cassis and mulberry fruits against a background of fine-grained tannin from the oak which has been carefully woven into the fabric of the wine. A long and peppery finish!
Like the 1998, this is again a cheerful young red with bouncy fruit, perfect to chill lightly and serve at lunch. I will happily partner robustly-flavoured dishes like beef olives and casseroled lamb shanks with carrots. Delightful with grilled cutlets or sausages, stuffed lamb shoulder and pork with crackling, with beef fillet and a few wild mushrooms on the side, or venison with crushed pink peppercorns.