(2019) This spends 20 months in French oak, about 40% new. 53% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Merlot, Plus the other three Bordeaux varieties, all fermented separately then aged 11 months in barrel, followed by a year in bottle. Quite meaty and cedary, a touch of olive and pepper and light tobacco spice. Very juicy, the savoury plum and blackcurrant fruit backed up with firm, quite authoritative tannins, and bright cherry fruit tangy acidity. Widely available, also in Waitrose, Majestic and independents at time of review. Good value.
(2019) Partly fermented as whole bunches. Meaty, earthy, a deeply coloured and hued wine, with gravelly touches to blue-black fruit aromas then that typical Grenache nuttiness, like peanut shell dryness, a touch of perfumed herbs. The palate if firm and very juicy, edged with a chicory bite of bittersweetness. Long and grippy finish, tannins begin to nip and give structure.