Univers

Decanting this wine proved to be a wise choice, though it remains a challenging and complex beverage, and not to its advantage. The bouquet is slightly reductive, presenting an intriguing mix of beeswax, smoke, dried herbs, orange zest, ginger, and a hint of bitter herbs. On the palate, it carries a certain sharpness and power, yet it manages to extend into a long and ultimately rewarding finish. This wine demands attention and patience. And a bit of masochism.

The Universe 2017 was a pleasant departure from the ordinary, presenting unexpected sensations to the palate. I was met with an intriguing nose of ripe quince, subtle hints of beeswax, a refreshing touch of citrus in the form of lemon and orange zest, and an undercurrent of ginger. There was a fleeting memory of the sea with a dash of salt and cider. On the palate, it carried a medium body, its acidity well-balanced, and despite its seemingly watery texture, it delivered a good range of flavours. The metallic finish was what set it apart, a bit like the cool touch of a coin. An enjoyable and interesting wine, though not one to lose oneself in entirely.

An interesting Palomino from Andalusia. Hard to guess as it feels like a cold-climate wine. Brine and hair spray - two things that greet you, and then slowly step back to give space to quince, chamomile, and bitter herbs. Fresh, round and delicious. It's not fascinating, but its elegance is somehow charming.