2020, Bodega Contador Rioja ALMA, SPAIN92% Tempranillo and 8% Grenache. The new rare red blend. It was produced with grapes from three vineyards in San Vicente de la Sonsierra at different altitudes and is a blend of Tempranillo with 8% Garnacha with limited yields because of mildew. It matured in new French barriques for 20 months. He wanted a more classical image and perhaps a more classical profile of wine. It's perfumed and floral, with notes of aromatic herbs, a little balsamic and

As is almost invariably the case

The 2021 Corton-Bressandes Grand Cru opens in the glass with aromas of plums

It is scrumptious right now in this fruity flush of youth

as do the chewy tannins

with a little new wood and an aspect of the nose where the oak is rather dominating

menthol and dark berries

the black liquorice and touches of bitter dark chocolate giving it a serious nature

Lovely and very La Platière in character

it has a solid backbone of firm

chalky texture and grippy tannins

Medium ruby-purple

All that said