(2024) A Syrah and Grenache blend, unoaked but given some time to mature in the cellar before release, this comes from the Unions des Vignerons des Côtes du Rhône co-operative. It has lift and vibrancy on the nose, kirsch and violet edging black fruits that are ripe and immediately suggest a juicy pastille quality. In the mouth there robust, sweet and chunky fruit, though the finish does tail off slightly into a slightly sharp astringency that just detracts from an otherwise enjoyable CdR.
(2024) From Rutherford in the Napa Valley, organically-grown Cabernet Sauvignon makes up 91% of the blend, along with Cabernet Franc, Carménère, Merlot and Petit Verdot. It spent 22 months in a complex mix of 65% New French Oak, 32% Neutral oak and 3% Terracotta Amphora. What a svelte and elegant opening, silky aromas are so polished, succulent black fruit is touched by violet and kirsch, a dark cocoa and cedar in the background. The palate follows on seamlessly, plush and intense, the tannins chocolate-smooth and the acid really juicy and fine. That extends the wine into a long, tapering finish.
(2024) This is blend of Syrah, Grenache and old vine Carignan (more than 90 years old) grown on the schist soils of the historic Faugères appellation in the South of France. It's a darkly-hued but spicy and floral wine, but there's a liquorice and ash sense of terroir coming through the black fruit of its core. In the mouth that spiciness continues, and there's rustic grip to this that feels authentic and tastes delicious. It doesn't lack for supple fruit, or acid and tannin framework around it. Watch the video for more information and food matching ideas.
(2024) Regent is yet another German-bred hybrid, that includes Chambourcin and Müller-Thurgau in its parentage. This was fermented on skins for three weeks and aged 12 months in new and used American and Hungarian oak barrels. It's a very striking, deep and vivid purple wine, the nose fruity with pastille-like aromas over some spice. In the mouth it is dry and light- to medium-bodied with just 11.5% alcohol, inky and savoury, the fruit and oak mesh to give a dry, cinnamon-touched finish with balanced acidity.
(2024) A blend of two hybrids, Rondo and Regent, this is barrel-aged and like the varietal Regent in this range, weighs in with only 11.5% alcohol. Vibrant and dark, there quite a coffee-ish, earthy character here, a little darker than the Regent for sure. In the mouth it has some of the same Indian ink dryness, again savoury and spicy with some bitter cherry over the soft oak background. Maybe not quite the vibrancy of the Regent, but very drinkable.
(2024) This single estate wine is 100% Cabernet Sauvignon from Mapio. Only around 25% of the blend spent time in oak; six months in used French oak barriques. Vibrant crimson/purple, the nose has a certain aromatic lift and violet edge of ripeness, fruit is blackcurranty and ripe, with just a fine dusting of oak as the lightest veneer. In the mouth the fruit is sweet and concentrated, a certain plushness and richness offset by spicy tannins, oak tannins, and pert plum and cherry-skin bittersweetness. Stylishly done, and a good bet at Majestic's 'mixed six' price of £9.99. Watch my full video review for more information.
(2024) This top cuvée from Ukan in Rioja Alavesa come from three old, bush vine Tempranillo vineyards on clay-limestone soil. Fermented with native yeasts in oak vats, with 30% of whole clusters, the wine is then aged in French oak barrels for 15 months. It's a sumptuous Rioja this, with huge natural concentration, the deep mulberry fruit glossed with a violet perfume and sheen of oak. Tannins are ripe and rippling, and the acidity balances perfectly. Hedonistic and extremely polished stuff.
(2024) Tavola is part of the small range that introduces Ponzi, made with a combination of estate and purchased fruit from across Willamette. Max calls this a 'fun' wine and a 'pizza wine'. Nicely pale and transparent, it is leafy and perfumed, touches of pot-pourri spices and red fruits. The palate has brightness and plenty of drive. It is medium-bodied, and the mid-palate fleshes out with creamy and sweet berries. Tannins and acid combine to again add a sparky, lemony freshness to the finish. Note price and stockist for previous vintage at time of review.
(2024) From a single vineyard planted at 800 to 900 feet, the black fruit and peppery spice component is striking. Blackcurrant and blueberry are streaked with cedar and an edge of leafiness. At the same time there is a touch of dark caramel or chocolate in the background. The palate is stunning, with so much supple, fleshy sweetness, a velvet mouthfeel with so much spice and hints of meatiness and something of herbs and truffle in the background. Long, meaty and rich, but with such a focus between creamy tannins and precise acidity. A special arrangement sees a parcel of this limited edition, normally allocated wine exclusively for the UK market. No retail stockists listed.
(2024) Fruit is 100% Laurelwood, a small amount from local growers who planted their vineyards with Laurelwood cuttings. Fermentation included 10% whole cluster, fermented in small lots. It was aged in French oak barrels (30% new) for 10 months. Deep cherry touched by briar and spice, there's a tiny edge of sweet vanilla and something floral. Beautifully sweet as it strikes the palate, this has succulence and an undertow of orange and sour Chinese plum. Tannins are moderate and creamy rather than forceful, giving this a long, spiced fruit finish. Again, stockist and price for previous vintage at time of review.
