Antoine-Marie Arena Patrimonio Carco Rouge 2021

Samir Patel - Corsican wine that delivers

8/10

The guy at my local wine shop recommended this and I'm glad he did. Really expressive nose, you can smell it as soon as you pour. Firm and balanced with proper acidity so it doesn't feel flabby despite the 14% ABV. Had it with slow-cooked lamb and it was perfect.

Tomas Rivera - One of my favourites this year

9/10

I don't usually spend this much on a single bottle but I'd been wanting to try Arena's wines for ages. So glad I did. Complex, layered, genuinely interesting — the kind of wine where every sip gives you something different. The finish just lingers and lingers. Worth every penny imo.

Suki Patel - Really special bottle

9/10

Bought this for my wife's birthday dinner and we both kept going back for more. There's a lot going on — dark fruit, a bit of spice, layers that kind of open up the longer it sits in your glass. At 14% it's got some weight but doesn't feel heavy. Would absolutely buy again.

Adaobi Eze - Decent red, takes a while to open up

7/10

Opened this with some friends on a Friday night. First impression was a bit closed off honestly, but after about 30 minutes in the glass it really came alive — loads of fruit character and a nice clean finish. Not sure everyone at the table appreciated it at £41 though lol.

Elena Morozova - Lovely with a roast

8/10

Picked this up after seeing it on a list at a restaurant we went to on holiday. It's got real body to it and the acidity keeps it from being too much. Poured it with a Sunday roast chicken and it worked brilliantly. Would happily grab another bottle next time I see it.

Olivia Wong - Good but not cheap

7/10

Tried this at a wine bar and liked it enough to track down a bottle. It's well made, nice structure, clean finish that hangs around. But at over £40 I expected to be a bit more blown away? It's good, just not sure it's forty quid good.