Santa Julia (Argentina) Bonarda/Sangiovese 2000
The ‘Q’ Tempranillo from this producer was a Wine of the Week a couple of months ago; a huge, fruit-filled seductive wine. This, at half the price, is only half as impressive initially, but it has subtle charms that reveal themselves more slowly and build up to deliver another fine wine exprience. A blend of two quality Italian grapes, the colour is a fresh ruby and the nose has soft tobacco scents, with a briary quality and some earthy bramble fruit. On the palate there is lots of tart, crisp cherry fruit from the Sangiovese, but then that tobacco, gigar-like, smoky softness rolls back in. The wine stays quite firm and juicily fresh into the finish. UK stockists: Morrisons/Sainsbury/Waitrose 3.99-4.49
