Deep ruby in colour with a mature rim; cedary, blackberry and blackcurrant nose lifted with oak spice; medium-bodied, dry, richly extracted black fruit flavours with a note of cinnamon on the finish. Well-balanced and still youthful.
Zerran Tinto is imported by and bottled for innovative Spanish importer Jorge Ordóñez, responsible for introducing many characterful and regional Spanish wines to the USA. This savoury Montsant is mostly very old-vine Garnacha and Mazuelo (aka Carignan) with a splash of Syrah. Big and concentrated, with dense black fruit, crushed stone, black flowers, kirsch, anise and cracked pepper covering a firm, muscular structure. Fantastic value for this Priorat neighbour.
Clear pale gold. Understated nose of flowers and lime; also a bit of apple and celery leaf. Light-bodied and dry, with bright acidity and lime and orange flavours leading to a long finish. Made to accompany smoked salmon. Drink over the next 2 years.
Clear, deep plum-red. Medium-intensity jammy nose of plum and cherry, with spices, black liquorice and a bit of rose flower. Only medium-bodied, with simple sour-cherry flavours. Will last a couple more years, but won’t get better.
Clear, pale yellow. Medium-intensity nose with gooseberry, grapefruit, elderflower and honey. The palate provides flavours of green apple, citrus and more gooseberry. Drink up.
Loureiro means laurel in English. Needless to say, there is definitive bay leaf quality which melds with green apple, peach, citrus and mineral. It is refreshing with fine length. A perfect summer sipper and a steal for the price!
Based on the 2011 vintage with 30% reserve wine, this 65/30/5 Pinot Noir/Chardonnay/Pinot Meunier blend is sourced mostly from Premier and Grand Cru vineyards. Elegant and refined, with light biscuit, lemon pith and cracked-stone savouriness. The focused palate carries green apple, an undercurrent of subtle red fruits, yellow plum, gentle dried apricot and fine salt through to a lengthy, lingering, honeyed finish. Refined, stately and elegant — befitting its “royale” name. Drink now or hold for 5+ years.