Klein Constantia: stellar whites, sweet and dry 
Marqués de Riscal: Gehry hotel outshining solid Rioja and Rueda 
La Rioja Alta: benchmark classical Riojas especially top flight Gran Reservas 
Marqués de Murrieta: Rioja aristocracy built around Castillo Ygay 
CVNE: Combining volume and classical quality 
Contino: Château-style Rioja and Graciano pioneers 
£9; 14%
An excellent recommendation for NZ Pinot Noir from Majestic’s managers choice page. Complex and pretty full-bodied (and at 14%, ripe!). An excellent alternative to Burgundy that isn’t too overtly New World. Rich fruit aromas – dark, black cherry type – but balanced with a touch of maybe earthiness and mocha (plus the occasional note of coal-smoke!) / sweet spice. Full ruby colour. Complex flavour which used acid structure and gentle tannic balance (ready to drink now). Nice. Medium-to-full flavour.
Leave A Reply