Anima Negra AN:2 2023: Bold Character, Lasting Impression

Mia Sundberg — Mallorcan gem

8/10

Picked this up after seeing it on a wine list in Palma last summer and tracked it down online when I got home. Really rich blackberry flavours and a lovely warmth to it without being boozy at all — 13% is a sweet spot for me. Goes brilliantly with slow-cooked lamb.

Zara Al-Hassan — Interesting but not my favourite

6/10

Bought this for a dinner party because I liked the sound of the Callet grape — never heard of it before. It's decent, quite herby and earthy which I wasn't expecting. The berry stuff is nice but the finish was a bit savoury for my taste. Friends who like bolder reds enjoyed it more than me.

Rosa Paredes — Solid but not cheap

7/10

Got this as a recommendation from my local wine shop. It's good — dark fruit, bit of a cocoa thing going on at the end, and the tannins are smooth not grippy. At £32 though I'd want it to wow me a bit more. I'd buy it again on offer but probably not full price.