Kiss Gábor is a well-known Villány producer, but he operates on a lesser scale then big names like Gere or Bock. What I tasted from him in the past did not make me a fan, but his 2022 reds are a completely different story. I liked his cabernet franc quite a lot so I bought a bottle of his entry level Rouge 364, and it’s actually almost as good its pricier brother.

A cabernet franc, kékfrankos and merlot blend, made in an early drinking style. In a way it shows a classic Bordeaux blend character, it’s dark, ripe, leafy and powerful, yet it’s unusually lively and juicy, without noticeable oak. Velvet like smoothness on the palate, helped by soft acidity. It’s quite tannic, though, which adds a rustic character, but its sheer fruit power makes it a fun bistro wine. I enjoyed it a lot, a very good wine, 87 points. Highly recommended. Good value, 3450 HUF, stockist is Bortársaság (and more).