Rafael Cambra Uno 2023

Rafael Cambra Uno comes from Cambra's garage winery in Alforins, in inland Valencia, where the aim is to intervene as little as possible and let the vineyard set the character. It is led by Monastrell with Cabernet Sauvignon, grown on calcareous clay soils under a clearly Mediterranean climate. The limestone rich clay holds water through the dry summer and lends firmness and a savoury edge, while the warm climate ripens Monastrell, a late and thick skinned grape, to full phenolic maturity, which explains the wine's depth, colour and 14.5 percent alcohol. The wine is aged ten months in oak barrels. This relatively short time in wood, combined with the dense fruit, keeps the oak in a supporting role, rounding the firm tannins and adding spice rather than dominating. It is full bodied and structured, with black plum and cherry fruit, violet and lavender florals, black pepper, liquorice and a long, grippy finish. Give it an hour in a decant and serve at around 17 to 18C in a large glass; it stands up to roast and grilled red meats.