Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Neil Ashmead Gts Elderton Estate is intensely scented of eucalyptus, blackberry pie, blueberry compote and dark chocolate with touches of tar, peppered salami and violets. The palate is no shrinking violet, bursting with minted berry preserves and savory flavors, supported by plush tannins and a racy line, finishing with epic length.

Ripe cassis and blackberries are in the fore here, but they're backed by a meaty, smoky and earthy quality, along with a touch of warming baking spices that make this an instant wine for the wintertime. It's rich and powerful in style but also silky-textured with that intriguing and lingering core of savory smokiness and a spine of grainy tannins. This is just barely ready to drink now, but cellaring for up to 10 years should be pretty rewarding.

Flavors of fresh earth, dried leaves and peppery spices mingle with plum and cherry accents in this red, with tannins coming in on the finish, where a minty, resinous note lingers. Drink now through 2028. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 425 cases made.