Drunk from Zalto Denk'Art Burgundy stem side-by-side with the Block 5. Drunk over four days. It did not change during the first three days but was beginning to fall over on the fourth evening. New oak 35%, whole bunch 25%. Under screwcap. Bright ruby colour, with a touch more garnet than the Block 5. The first impression of the bouquet is spice rack – cinnamon, nutmeg and other brown spices – dried herbs, dry clay, raspberries, red cherries and a little strawberry. Red rose florals and traces of toasty oak. On palate, rich and ripe pinot fruit, but not the volume of the Block 5. Lighter bodied and a little leaner than the Block 3, with chewier, crunchier fruit. The acidity a little more pronounced, as compared with the fruit. Dried herbs, bramble, garrigue, wild raspberries and red cherries. Hints of citrus and drinking chocolate. Filigreed, fine tannins. Good length, finishing on stony minerality. To drink from now until 2030+. 92+.

Drunk from Zalto Denk'Art Burgundy stem side-by-side with the Block 3. Drunk over four days, during which it did not change. New oak 33%, whole bunch 25%. Under screwcap. Slightly darker and deeper ruby colour than the Block 3. A bouquet of red cherries under liqueur, warm, tilled soil, liquorice, red currants and a little strawberry. In the mouth, darker red fruit – closer to black – than the Block 3. Succulent, juicy red cherries and berries with earth, barbequed meats and mocha. Sleek, silky and voluminous fruit. Ultra-fine grained tannins. Pure, clean, direct and linear with great flow. Well balanced and proportioned, including the acidity and alcohol (13.5% ABV). Now on its optimal drinking plateau – fully open – until at least 2032, I expect. A rare case of my preferring the Block 5 over the Block 3 for a vintage.