Zonte's Footstep Splitting Hares Tempranillo Grenache 2021

Making this juicy yet savoury red blend came down to splitting hairs, as the winemakers at Zonte's Footstep tweaked the proportions of the blend in tiny one percent increments until the perfect balance was achieved. Through this meticulous process they discovered the exact point at which the juicy, fragrant Grenache (35%) just tames the savoury chewiness of the Tempranillo (65%). Matured in a combination of new and seasoned French and American oak barrels for up to 12 months. An aromatic nose of sweet raspberry and blue fruit with a lifted red floral perfume and whirls of jasmine and lavender. The palate is ripe and savoury with a melange of blueberry, plums and red currants leading the way with plenty of secondary threads following behind in the form of dried cranberry, pomegranate molasses and dark chocolate, along with an earthy, crushed wet gravel note. Deliciously drying Dutch-cocoa tannins. "Smooth and comfortingly delicious, the wine shows dark berry, assorted nut, clove and game notes on the nose. The palate displays gorgeously rounded mouthfeel and rich texture, wonderfully complemented by juicy fruit intensity and spicy nuances... 93pts" (Sam Kim, Wine Orbit).