Sijnn, Touriga Nacional, Malgas

14.5% alcohol; Deep black red The nose seems initially slightly corked with volatility and oxidised notes. Odd as the nose did open up to reveal dried earth, baked fruit, undergrowth, dried leaves, wet slate and morello cherries. Full-bodied the entry also exhibits a little dried cork and earth, yet again there is fruit underneath. The tannins are massive and extracted so lead you to perhaps the wine being slightly scalped? Left in glass there is fruit aplenty despite all the …

Deep garnet red Savoury perfumed bouquet (Touriga) with tilled soil, toasted spices, umami, pencil shavings and some dark fruits. Medium+ bodied, there is good intensity in the mid-palate, a lively acidity that leads to a grippy yet sweet tannin. The flavours seem a little feral with a soy note that followed by spice, leather and some bitter (85%) chocolate. The finish is dry and quite long but feels sinewy and the fresh acidity adds a sappiness to make the drier …

Deep crimson to a garnet edge. Surprisingly youthful with an attractive perfume showing ripe bulbous black cherries, black fleshy plums and prunes. A fresh entry with black cherry skin texture, richness but not too ripe, a lift of perfume in the mid-palate and great length. The palate has a lovely gait that is fleshed out with plenty of black plum, black cherry, fresh damson, and a little prune. An elegant feminine wine.

Cool Wine Tasting Group - Portugal (Elgin South Africa) : (Tasted Blind) Deep purple-black with a scarlet rim, the wine exhibits ripe, intense aromas of bright blackberries, crushed raspberries and sweet blackcurrants with a hint of iris and light spice. A direct entry with vibrant acidity packed with dark berries, a crushed velvet texture and light spices of star anise and cinnamon. There is power and concentration here, and it is very New World in style. The oak use is …