Tempranillo Blanco Fincas de Azabache 2021/202212. 95 per bottle Organic ABV 12. 5% Region The region of La Rioja lends its name to Spain`s most widely recognised wines. Much Rioja is blended from three districts; Alta and Alavesa to the north and the hot dry Oriental district to the south (previously known as Rioja Baja) and uses Tempranillo, Garnacha, Graciano and Mazuelo red grape varieties and the diminishing influence of extended ageing in oak barrels. Producer Fincas de Azabache is a state

baked apple and spicy cardamom notes

but drink for myself

who has worked with Matt Thomson for a number of years

both formerly of Cloudy Bay

This impressive Malvasia comes from the Abruzzo region of Italy

The ageing and contact with the lees are also relatively larger

James Suckling 98 pts

almonds and a creamy note from the well integrated oak influence

A superb and relatively unknown treasure

Founded in Ay in 1584 Champagne Gosset is the oldest wine house in Champagne and it has been owned by the Renaud Cointreau family since 1993

with velvety tannins that are fine-tuned and tentative

and silky smooth (the latter characteristic being somewhat atypical for a young Beaucastel)