2012 Vranec Grande Reserva, Tikves, North Macedonia

Ground, smoky, woody, spicy scent of ripe black berries and tobacco with earthy and slightly greasy aromas. Tart black fruit on the palate, too, with smoky, nutty and bitter chocolate aromas, some liquorice in the background, noticeable acid bite, firm, fine-grained tannins, persistent on the palate, a lot of alcohol, pomegranate and a little liquorice in the background, firm structure, still young, some dark chocolate, earthy to mineral notes, bitter and herbaceous notes, very light floral, still very young, very good, firm finish with noticeable warmth of alcohol, but also surprisingly cool elements of pomegranate and mint. Remains amazingly polished with all its might.

Best to drink: 2018-2028+. What our ratings mean