Abbotts & Delaunay Cumulo Nimbus Minervois Syrah Carignan 2010
14%, Cork, $40
Source: Sample
www.fourthwavewine.com.au

This is what Minervois is all about – rich, meaty, rustic and hearty flavours. Bring on sausages and ribs immediately.

Roast lamb, biltong, sweet oak and earth with a quiet whiff of dog poo. It’s not faulty per se, just a little stinky and rustic. Old school south of France nose that one. The palate is where the appeal lies, with a black fruit and tapenade old vine density that is genuinely appealing, all capped off with deep, robust and gritty tannins.

Arguably a little broadly cut and roasted, I like the fruit weight and genuine old vine limitlessness of this red. Much to grab hold of.

Drink: Now – 2017+
Score: 17.5/20, 91/100
Would I buy it? A glass on a wine list for sure.