A fairly rare red grape variety in New Zealand – the wines from it are perhaps best known from Italy. This one is from Marlborough – sourced from a tiny parcel at Stanley Estate in the Awatere Valley. A very distinctive, inky black-purple colour in the glass. The colour is reflected in the perfume, with a glossy, dark berry ripeness. An icing sugar confectionery note is there as well as Christmas spices, mocha and a layer of dried herbs. Quite dry and tightly structured, with tannin that rasps on the tongue, and bright acidity balancing that. It is like Syrah meets Pinot – more grunt and body, but with that juiciness that makes we want to try it with a chill, like a simple Nebbiolo. 91pts
Forrest Lagrein 2024
