2021, REAL DE ASŪA, 'Carromaza', by CVNE (Rioja)100% Tempranillo. This wine was born in 1994 as a tribute to the founders of the winery, the Real de Asa brothers. Carromaza vineyard is located in the village of Villalba, high up the Rioja Alta and made up of 30 year old Tempranillo vines, south facing on light soils. Charred sandalwood, taut fruit, eucalyptus and mint, with waves of cloves and rose petals. As it opens you suddenly get studded by anis, fennel, not overly marked by the oak, with a

The palate is well balanced with a fine bead of acidity

passionfruit and mint are all nicely lifted

The 2022 Morey-Saint-Denis Vieilles Vignes includes 80% whole bunches and has more composure and complexity than the preceding Rue de Vergy

24% carmenere

seamless and elegant with a delicate mid-palate

The complex bouquet offers blackberry

Jacques Puffeney created a Trousseau cuvée called "Les Bérangères" out of this parcel

this has a silky overall texture with a hint of grip coming towards the mid palate

it comes barreling out of the glass with explosive scents of boysenberries

tobacco and liquorice all give nuance and interest with fleshy tannins and bright acidity

with good acidity and will drink well from the outset

I love the upfront nature here