After tasting the new ‘Paranormal’ wine from The Supernatural a couple of days ago, it is deja vu to be now looking at another quite off-the-wall red, this one from the collective of winemakers at the Vandal label. A co-ferment of 90% Pinot Noir and 10% Viognier, unfined, unfiltered and raw – it prickles with a spritzy attack of volatile acidity. Quite wild and odd, you have to park your preconceptions at the door, and just ask whether it is delicious – and would you drink more than one glass? A bloody, opaque burgundy colour in the glass. The perfume has cranberry, plum, cherry, black tea, rosehip and middle eastern spice. Get past the veneer and it has good complexity and plenty to embrace on the palate. Rich, plush and juicy, with soft tannin and a zing of acidity. An oddity – I kind of liked it but wouldn’t want another. 86pts
Vandal Goat’s Blood Combat Rouge 2023
