From Orange. Wine is not just about what is in the glass, in fact it's more about people and memories and stories. Who did you drink the wine with, what was the occasion, and many other possibilities. So before writing about this wine, a disclaimer of possible bias. Despite never having visited Orange or having previously tried a wine from Orange (!) I am predisposed to liking this wine, as when I was a primary school student, some 30 years ago, my favourite teacher came from Orange. Far and away the best school teacher I ever had. On to the wine. Very purple. Doesn't give much away on the nose, some blackberry bush. One sip and you know the strength of this wine is its terrific balance. How does it taste? Blackcurrant, some mulberry and mint, perhaps even some iodine and toffee. Long finish. I decanted this 3 hours. Such is the balance, it should improve for a decade or longer. Great pairing with Irish stew.

• Rating: 94 (Average for all reviewers 94)
• Drink: Drink in the next 1 to 10 years