This is a serious Sparkling Red. The nose is deep and compelling; black, brooding, with hints of sweet ripe, cherry-to-plum fruit, then sweet leather – old leather, with a lick of boot polish that smells both intriguing and inviting.

Then come notes of cracked black pepper and dried thyme, with just a touch of star anise. The palate is supple, earthen, rich and round with a fine dry spice – vibrant and alive, with a long savoury finish. It has zero dosage, very well balanced, the fruit and tannin deliver wonderful fruit sweetness, and is best served just a bit below room temperature, certainly not cold. A wine of spicy complexity and structured elegance.