2009 Montus Cuvee Prestige

100% Tannat, aged for 14-16 months in 50% new barrels. They were using Hungarian oak but found it too inconsistent, so now it's all French oak.  Dark regal crimson. A bold, intriguing nose of flowers and wild brambly sun-ripened fruit and marshmallows, and an undertow of fresh blood, almost metallic. Then such deep-throated dark fruit to start, glossy with sweetness, before a great rugged bear hug of tannins closes everything up – as if giving you a tantalising glance of what's to come and then firmly shutting the door. Real heat, and once that door is closed, a lingering trail of lovely earthiness. Beautifully sculpted with a little bitter twist on the finish. (TC)