Marcus Ellis
Arguably the touchstone for mencÃa in this country, with the nation's first vines planted by Corrina Wright in 2011. Her first red was made in 2016, so this is the ninth edition – a reasonable survey. Fermented as whole berries in a closed fermenter, this was raised half in tank and half in older French oak. Duskily floral, sultry in its posy of deep red and purple blooms, lilting their perfume over ripe blackberries, plump blueberries, dark spices and humus-rich soil, luscious in its way, but not overdone. It's silkily supple, supported by a brace of fine tannins, and it's another fine release. Points: 93/100
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