Agricola Punica Barrua 2020

Cellar for up to 9 years. Decanting time: 1 hour. Vivid, deep ruby red in color. This hearty, full-bodied wine from a new Sardinian vineyard delivers a complex, intense if still young nose of ripe red fruits, dry herb with smoky hints of licorice and myrtle. Full, harmonious mouthfeel opening to reveal elegant chocolate and cassis flavors which follow a consistent line, exposing balanced, juicy tannins that extend through to a long, nutty finish underscored by subtle notes of caramel. Muted oak flavor displays the vintner’s success at producing a wine that is enjoyable both young and mature. Very sophisticated, yet extremely drinkable with a lasting impression of its soft, dark and balanced craftsmanship. Aged in 30% new French oak barriques for 18 months. Deliberate, expert workmanship underscore this vintage, which can be enjoyed on its own or paired with stews, lamb or game. An ambitious offering by winemaker Sebastiano Rosa, this wine benefits from the proximity to the ocean for its cool breezes to moderate the hot, southwestern dry summers. The vintage is made from 85% Carignano, 10% Cabernet and 5% Merlot, cultivated in the blended calcareous, clay and sandy soil of the winemaker’s old Narcao and Barrua vineyards. The reliably low acidity of the Carignano grape cultivated in the Sulcis region lends to a distinct, refined smoothness.

Price: £28.92 from 8wines UK