Finessed aromatics, clear stone fruits, cherry pit, even touch of sage and juicy nectarine among the more classical cassis and blackberry fruits, this is sappy, slate, gunsmoke, good balance with salinity on the finish, enjoyable. 22hl/h yield, mainly from poor fruit set on the old Merlots, so both wines have majority Cabernet Sauvignon. Harvest 25 September to 10 October, 3.7ph. One to look out for, and no need to wait too long. 91 points

The 2024 Alter Ego is a very sexy, polished wine. Silky contours wrap around a core of dark red-toned fruit. Floral and spice overtones lend brightness to a mid-weight, supple Alter Ego that will drink well right out of the gate. Pliant and inviting, with no hard edges, the 2024 is an absolute delight. Hints of cedar, tobacco, incense and white pepper linger on the brilliant, sculpted finish. 92-94 points