Elegant and focused with aromas of wildberries, currant, spice, tobacco, chocolate and coffee; flavours of currant and black cherries, tobacco and vanilla with fine, mildly grippy tannins and a long, expressive, fresh finish. A little heavy on the oak now, but should integrate nicely with 2 to 3 years in the cellar. Worth trying with some dark chocolate.
A rich, treacly sweet cider that hails from Quebec, where the winters are so cold that some apples are left on the trees to shrivel up, producing super-sweet, concentrated juice. This cidre de glace drinks like a honey-packed apple reduction, with some tart acidity. Serve it in ponies alongside a cheese plate, it goes especially well with fresh chèvre and rich, triple-cream brie.
A little sparkling-like with fresh aromas of citrus and coriander and yeast; soft and refreshing flavours of coriander, orange peel and spices with a pleasant acidity.
One of the best unblended Chilean Carmenère I’ve tasted — and a super price. Dense purple-black in colour with a spicy blackcurrant nose and note of leather. Fruity but dry and medium-bodied with fresh acidity, it lingers long on the palate.
Fresh aromas of citrus, almond and mineral; possesses a fullness without being heavy. Great depth of flavour, balance and acidity with a grippiness on the palate and a fresh, pleasing finish. As good with fresh burrata cheese as with smoked white fish or shellfish, but would hold up to grilled pork and maybe even steak.
A somewhat rustic and backward red made from the Mansois grape. The nose reveals a basket of red fruits, blackcurrant, pepper, liquorice and leafy-bramble notes. It’s unoaked with no discernible tannins on the palate and shows pure fruit flavours of raspberry, currants with just a touch of mint. Try with grilled lamb.
Cab Sauv (33%) and Syrah (29%) lead in this six-varietal blend. Opens with savoury-toned aromas of red cherry, cedar and chocolate. Maritime-influenced vineyards ensure bright acidity and an elegant structure. Firm tannins and black cherry and mocha flavours lead to a toasty spice finish. Match with stewed meat.