Pure Grenache from Priorat. Cheap for the region arguably, but the Rhone offers much better value.
Entry level Priorat Grenache – Scala Dei Garnatxa 2018
New wave Hungarian Syrah – Heimann Válogatás 2017
A small batch Syrah from one of Szekszárd’s top producers, Heimann. The new generation – jr. Zoltán Heimann – is making more and more impact on the winery style and I’m sure this wine reflects his ideas.
Big brand Villányi – Teleki Merlot 2017
The most well known Villányi brand. Big volume, cheap, widely available in Hungary.
Let’s call it grand cru dry Tokaji – Barta Öreg Király single vineyard Furmint, Mád, 2018
This is simply one of the greatest dry Tokaji Furmints I have ever tasted. I can recall only a few bottles of Szepsy and Demeter Zoltán from the last two decades, that amazed me this much. Those were made in a very different style, though, oaked and full-bodied.
Domaine Des Hauts Chassis “Esquisse” 2017, Crozes-Hermitage AOP
Am I alone finding the Northern Rhone reds riper and riper recently? Like this Esquisse 2017 from Domaine Des Hauts Chassis. In my memories the estate’s wines were occasionally a bit green 10-12 years ago, and this represents the other end of the spectrum.
A wine like no other – Szentesi Tihanyi Kék 2018 from Nadap, Etyek-Budai wine region, Hungary
I could not name a more exciting Hungarian red wine than Szentesi’s Tihanyi Kék. It’s even more individual than his Csókaszőlő, though both are highlights for me from his range of wines, in every vintage.
Great Australian Cab: Woodlands Wilyabrup Valley Cabernet Sauvignon Merlot 2015, Margaret River
One of the most Old-World-like Cabernet I have tasted from Australia. Big thumbs up.
Great South African white: Constantia Glen Two 2018
Semillon – Sauvignon Blanc blends are a real strength of South Africa. Try Constantia Glen’s Two 2018 and you will be convinced right away.
The Monastrell that received 99 points – Casa Castillo Pie Franco 2017, Jumilla
Jumilla’s top name, Casa Castillo already got some attention in recent years, but receiving 99 points from Wine Advocate speeds up things a little more. As the high rating was published for their top wine, stocks at most online merchants quickly disappeared – but interestingly this new superstar of a wine is still available at Lobenberg’s in Germany. This was the case when I payed 77 Euros for a single bottle (not something I can afford on a regular basis) and felt lucky.
Aussie Chardonnay with an Old World heart – Hoddles Creek Estate Chardonnay 2015, Yarra Valley
Such an elegant Aussie Chardonnay that it could come from Burgundy. It represents the more exciting face of Australian wine, the one which is harder to find in Europe.