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Domaine Enira Bessa Valley Grande Cuvée 2015
Thracian Lowlands
Sumptuous, oak-aged, claret style red from Bordeaux supremo Stephan von Neipperg. Winemaker is Marc Dworkin, formerly of Château Clarke and now working in Bulgaria. Blind tasted, it’s more like a cru classé. Fabulous, deep fruit and velvety richness.
Beyond the Label
Tasting notes
Rich, ripe black fruit, oak and chocolatey length. Velvety tannins
Aroma
Ripe blackberry, plum, cassis, berries and clove notes
Bulgarian reds were top of the pops in the 1970s. Quality was good and the value unmatched. Now, thanks to privatisation of the vineyards and massive European investment, the quality is nothing short of astounding. This superb wine from the Bessa Valley Winery is a joint venture involving the owner of Canon La Gaffelière in Saint Emilion, Count Stephan von Neipperg, and financier Dr Karl-Heinz Hauptmann. Ex-Bordeaux winemaker Marc Dworkin has treated this wine like a cru classé claret, vinifying the different grapes separately and ageing in all-new French oak barriques. Merlot, Cabernet and Petit Verdot are joined by Syrah for a delicious point of difference. A claret of this quality sells for £30+. Decant and enjoy with roast lamb or duck.
Buyer for Bulgaria
