Cullen Mangan 2015

This red blend offers heady aromas of cassis, tobacco leaf, menthol, black olive and garrigue. The palate is medium to full in weight, with a grip of tight grained, savory tannins propping up tangy currant fruit. This will reward with a brief time in a decanter. 14% ABV.

Cullen needs no introduction. They have been making excellent biodynamic wines for years, and this one is a rather different blend at the more affordable end of their range. Smells of blueberries, plums and potpourri waft out of the glass, whilst the palate is more medium-bodied and juicy, with licks of deli meat savouriness, soft spices and restrained toastiness, suede tannins, poised acidity, and a long, elegant finish with a kick of spice in the tail.