The name of this Bibi Graetz Testamatta 2020 means ‘crazy head’, perhaps referring to Bibi’s passionate pursuit of old vine Sangiovese. This wine is a clear, transparent, ruby color and has a very appealing nose of delicate, pure, red fruits like red cherry and wild strawberries wrapped in spice and light salty notes from sea breezes. The nose is charming and alluring. On the palate it is very Burgundy-like in weight and texture with a fine silkiness to the texture but it has very Sangiovese-like tannins. The wine is round and silky with a juicy freshness and fine but firm, savory tannins that linger with bitter cherry and sea salt flavors to the finish. A graceful and characterful version of Sangiovese.

CAPE MENTELLE Explorers Blend, Margaret River

An impressive blend, an extension if you like of the traditional Cape Mentelle Merlot Petit Verdot blend. Explorers is Petit Verdot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and, truth be told, it’s just a little intimidating at this very early stage which is why a decant is recommended. Let the air in and the wine’s immediate deep concentration and firmness relents, allowing a visit into dark fruited wine territory laid out on a path of dried herbs, sage, leaves and autumnal notes with background Merlot-induced rose and lavender floral aromatics. The role of Petit Verdot is noted with its firm tannin presence, so, too, the integration of smart oak. And that amazing impenetrable purple colour stays with you, a striking opening scene that places you immediately in Margaret River red wine territory.