Clear pale silvery yellow. Aromas of lime juice and pineapple with a bit of “cat’s pee” (sorry, but it’s true). Tastes of lemon and lime, also green mango, with intense acidity. Versatile food wine: the acidity can complement the bitterness of green veggies like asparagus or bell peppers, or contrast with and cut the oil of fish like salmon or mackerel. Will mellow and open up a bit with another year or two.
Clear very deep plum red. Medium nose of Christmas fruit cake with some dry tea and apple cider in the background. Fruit forward, packed with blueberry, blackberry and cherry flavours. Thankfully the high alcohol, acid and tannin levels keep it from fruit bomb territory. Will benefit from another year or two.
Clear medium-deep garnet. Healthy-sized nose of cherry cough syrup, figs, candy apple (from the Grenache) and a sprinkle of cinnamon. On the palate this is a medium-bodied wine, for quaffing, not sipping. Tastes of ripe fresh cranberry and pomegranate with the right level of acidity. Best now.
Clear medium-deep ruby. Medium nose of cherry jam, a sniff of black pepper and a hint of tar. Medium-bodied at most, with fruity ripe cherry and fresh acidity which allows enjoyment with pasta in a tomato sauce. Will improve with another year.
Clear deep garnet. Robust nose of black cherry, black licorice, and a hint of sherry. Medium-bodied, with juicy and fruity raspberry and cherry flavours and highish acidity. At its best now.
Clear very deep crimson. Luscious aromas of cassis, treacle toffee and sweet Amaretto-like oak, with some earthiness from the Merlot. Ripe red berry fruit and brandy chocolate on the palate is supported by high acidity and noticeable tannins, but the flavours are mature, so drink this year. Terrific with a beefy, cheesy meat pie.
Opaque purple in colour with a spicy, cedary, herbal, blackberry bouquet; full-bodied, rich and full on the palate with ripe blackberry and blackcurrant flavours and lively, balancing acidity.