Here we have a bit of a conundrum. The ‘standard’ is not supposed to top the ‘Reserve’, but for me, it did. Sure, not much in it and I loved them both, but I guess that what it does is make this even better buying. Made with small batch open fermenters and followed by fifteen months maturation in a mix of new and older French oak. Opaque maroon hue, this is big, bold and beautiful. Has the plushness of a top-notch McLaren Vale Shiraz. Chocolate, florals, cassis, coffee beans and tobacco leaves. A hint of leather. This is supple, dense, immaculately balanced and offering great length, throughout which the intensity never waivers. Utterly delicious. Now and over the next eight to fifteen years. You will not be disappointed.