2017 Torbreck, The Pict, 6x70ml

Made essentially like the Les Amis Grenache, Tobreck's 2017 The Pict Mataro handles the hefty oak complement much better. It kicks off with scents of strawberries and vanilla, then adds cola and dark berries on the full-bodied, creamy-textured palate. From vines planted in 1920, it spent two years in 50% new French barriques but remains fruit-driven and long on the finish. It's a beauty. No 2016 was made (smoke taint).