La Poja, Allegrini 2017

Very dense, tightly packed aromas of blackcurrants and blackberries, as well as notes of hazelnuts. Full-bodied and very silky with a super-refined feel on the palate. The tannins are so well integrated into the wine and the finish is long. This is very tight, but delicious to taste even now. Structured, refined and showing class. Give it a year or two to relax and expand. Try from 2023.

One of two Allegrini wines making their debut on the Place de Bordeaux this year. Such an incredible nose, cola, vanilla, sticky tar, perfume, baked blackcurrants, herbal-edged cherries, plums, so much going on, so alive and expressive on the nose. Classy and contemporary, this is smooth and so seductive. Direct from the start, you get the tang of orange and grapefruit giving a nice bitterness to counteract the strength and richness of the dark fruit. Acidity is there giving a mouthwatering appeal and providing such a lovely base from which all the flavours expand - all perfectly controlled and in harmony. It's still quite tense and strict, in high definition and focussed. You really feel the sculpting of the elements - strawberry, red cherry, smoke and some sweet wood spices which have succulence and a touch of piquance along the edges. Smooth yet impactful, a bold style but perfectly executed with freshness, acidity and a clean minerality on the finish that just makes you want another glass. What a thrilling wine. Ageing 20 months in new Allier barrels, eight months in large Slavonian oak casks and then 10 months in bottle. (Drink between 2025-2050)