A deep, dark-red sheen/gloss. The nose is distinctive and defined with the barrel-ferment elements of cola, sarsaparilla and char alongside black olive, soy, sage and leather notes. Oak plays a more prominent role, supporting a smoked meat overlay, embedded with orange, lemon and juniper. An unmistakeable Penfolds formic/tar Bouquet Garnis. The palate is focused with the flavours and textures true to style. Tannins are firm and obvious - tight and chalky, not expansive and coarse. Oak is integrated - the cedar, vanillins and citrus notes are possibly illustrative of both French and American oak origins. This release is reminiscent of the 1994 vintage, albeit the vines are today somewhat more mature.