Bassus Finca Casilla Herrera 2022

Hispano-Suizas farm in the D.O. Utiel-Requena, an upland plateau inland from Valencia where vineyards sit around 700 to 900 metres on limestone and clay soils. The cool nights at this altitude preserve acidity and colour, and the wine is built around Bobal, the region's thick-skinned native grape, completed by Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Petit Verdot and Syrah. The blend is aged twenty months in American oak, a long élevage that softens Bobal's naturally firm tannins, fixes the deep colour through slow oxygen exchange and adds sweet spice, vanilla and toast. It is deep, dense ruby in the glass, with a nose of ripe plum, black cherry and blackberry layered with vanilla, cocoa and sweet tobacco. The palate is full bodied and structured, with concentrated dark fruit, firm ripe tannins and a long, savoury finish carrying a peppery edge from the Syrah. The altitude keeps it fresh despite the ripeness and oak. Serve at 16 to 18 degrees, decanted for an hour, in a large bowled glass. It is made for grilled beef, roast lamb and mushroom dishes.