Wine: The Father Blend
Winemaker: Peter Franus
Vintage: 2014
Variety: Syrah / Shiraz Blend
Price: £22.99
Buy Now: From Virgin Wines

An abundance of dark ripe cherries, plum and brambles hits you on the nose, brought together with a dash of dried raisins and prunes. There's a slight dusting of dark cocoa powder with a little damp earthiness to finish off the nose.

On the palate, an exuberant burst of black brambles and licorice, fresh yet sophisticated with a touch of tannins that roll off the tongue. More of that dark cocoa powder comes to play with a small amount of white pepper spice. The spice gradually fades into a fresh and inviting finish as the tannins begin to disappear and a burst of lively fresh fruits linger.

Wine: Tres Picos
Winemaker: Bodegas Borsao
Vintage: 2014
Varietal: 100% Garnacha
Price: £14.99

Yet another great vintage of this wonderful wine from the geniuses at Borsao!

I opened this as I cooked a bolognese to accompany it and despite the pungency of garlic wafting around the kitchen, the bouquet was vibrant and still easily identifiable, with strong notes of black fruit, a distinctive smokiness and wonderfully powerful vanilla. The flavours in the mouth are as pronounced as the notes on the nose, tarte black fruit dominating early doors, but yields quickly to softer sweeter red cherry and plum. The finish is full of herbs and spices and distinctively flinty.

Full bodied, deepest darkest ruby in colour, a pronounced acidity, silky smooth tannins, bone dry and a very lengthy finish.

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