Gaja’s wines are often immensely appealing when young – which is certainly the case with the 2007s – but then close down in bottle for a number of years

with some lingering sweetness on the close

focused and very powerful finish that seems to go on and on

Larner vineyard (Ballard Canyon) and Harrison-Clarke vineyard (Ballard Canyon)

blackberry tart

Mount Mary, Quintet Size:6x750ml Gaja’s wines are often immensely45% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Merlot, 16% Cabernet Franc, 5% Malbec, 5% Petit Verdot, all kept separate until the end of the first year when they are assessed. Those lots deemed unsuitable for Quintet go into the Reflection label that has been produced every year since 2013. Cabernet Sauvignon dominates the nose of this youthful wine at the moment that is relatively elegant. Noble and savoury but embryonic. Light tannins and a gentle touch but still