Savoury, rich aromas with plenty of old-world character - brooding dark fruit and cocoa, espresso and smoked/meaty notes with herbal/garrigue undertones. The fruit on the palate is sweet with wonderful intensity, the texture supple and laden with berry fruit, sweet spice, chocolate and cherry-cola flavours. It's balanced between vibrant acidity and power. The tannins have softened since my last review, it's silky and elegant and deserves the new, higher score.
Wine Scores Reviewed - July 22nd, 2009

The Herder "icon" wine is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon. The fruit is dark, plummy and brooding initially but at this stage is slightly hidden under the earthy, meaty, smoky, chocolate and roasted coffee aromas. Savoury herbal notes, toasted spices and red cherry appear beneath the intial layers of aromas, the palate is chcocolate and sweet cherries, mocha and roasted spices. The acidity is balanced, the structure good and the ripe tannins will soften with time.
Wine Scores Reviewed - December 10th, 2008