This is no ordinary Syrah. How often do you see 11% alc. on the back label of a red made from this powerful grape? Continue reading
New wave Priorat – Terroir Històric Negre 2018
Returning to the roots. This Grenache and Carignan blend is made with ancient winemaking techniques, and the result is clearly different from the oaky, heavy interpretations of Priorat most of us are familiar with.
Something unusual – Csernyik Turán 2018, an aromatic and tannic red from Mátra, Hungary
Turán is a Hungarian cross, a teinturier grape variety (whose flesh is red, or rather inky purple) with poor reputation. It ripens early, has a muscat-like aroma but it’s very tannic and slightly bitter to taste. A blending component to boost color, not much else – at least in most winemakers’ eye.
Entry level Priorat Grenache – Scala Dei Garnatxa 2018
Pure Grenache from Priorat. Cheap for the region arguably, but the Rhone offers much better value.
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.