Rioja, Spain, D.O.C. The bottle is empty, but the memory lingers on. This was definitely one of my top wine picks of 2021. Rich, fragrant and opulent, with layers of flavour, satiny smooth texture and lingering finish, all in very fine balance. Notes of tart cherry, vanilla, sandalwood, violets, leather, fine tobacco and earthy sous bois. I was impressed by the harmonious flow of all the elements, start to finish, throughout this wine. The acidity is just right, making i

Dalmatian Coast, CROATIA This ripe and luscious Plavac Mali was my favourite wine discovery of the year. It is crafted from hand-picked grapes grown on Croatia's beautiful island of Brac, along the Dalmatian coast. Bright garnet red and fragrant, it is known as the "King of Croatian Reds". Highly aromatic with notes of plum, dark fruit, regional herbs, dark chocolate and vanilla. Bursting with flavour, it opens up beautifully and becomes more fruit-forward mid-palate. Pol