Nativo (The Hughes Family wines) – Tempranillo 2021

Simon J Woolf — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

I love the idea of this lighter, fresher style of Tempranillo, but here there is just not enough fruit to balance the acerbic, drying nature of the tannins. The end result is a bit lean and austere, lacking in drinking Read more

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Nativo (The Hughes Family wines) – Flora 2017

Simon J Woolf — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Aged in used barrels where flor yeast developed, this Viognier, Chenin and Grenache Bland blend is bright and energetic with lifted notes of citrus oils and the flor quite evident with that very particular briney rasp. If you’ve ever tasted Read more

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Nativo (The Hughes Family wines) – Blanco 2021

Simon J Woolf — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

A multi vineyard blend, partially aged in old barrels. There are aromatic and herbal hints on the nose, with something that reminds me of pineapple weed. Loads of ripe fruit explodes on the palate, but there is more than enough Read more

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Nativo (The Hughes Family wines) – Amarillo 2020

Simon J Woolf — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Hazier and wilder than the 2021 vintage of this skin fermented blend. I last tasted this two years ago (2021) when it was just a baby. I had high hopes, but it felt a little sour and cidery on opening, Read more

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Nativo (The Hughes Family wines) – Amarillo 2021

Simon J Woolf — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

With a dark amber hue, but wonderful clarity, this skin fermented blend is inviting. The aromas have a fascinating duality about them – the base notes remind me of bananas and custard, with an expressive lactic quality, but the wine Read more

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Nativo (The Hughes Family wines) – Nativo Red 2017

Simon J Woolf — Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Spicy and exuberant, this punchy red blend has a serious salty, acidic charge that keeps it feeling super fresh. Even though it’s had a few years bottle age, I think it could use some more. The tannins are still quite Read more

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Trapan – Moia Syrah 2017

Simon J Woolf — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

I like the whimsical faux-French label here! (even if I suspect Bruno might have the INAO on his tail soon). It says “Shishan Appellation d’Istrie controlée” – Šišan being the village from whence this Syrah hails. The nose is ripe Read more

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Trapan – The One 2016

Simon J Woolf — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

There is no mistaking Teran’s feral bark on the nose here – and I mean that in a good way! It’s characterful and intriguing. This is undoubtedly quite developed for a seven year old wine, with the kind of backed Read more

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Trapan – Revolution 2018

Simon J Woolf — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

If you like Loire Cab Franc, the slightly animalistic nose of this blend will appeal. The wild child that is Teran speaks clearly here, even though it’s a bit player in the blend. There are dried herb, iodine and dried Read more

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Trapan – Luka Luna Merlot 2018

Simon J Woolf — Wed, 19 Jul 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Quite evolved and herbal on the nose, there is a delicious, salty energy to this wine, driven by great acidity and lift. It’s ever so slightly lacking in fruit on the palate though, with more woody, herby notes playing centre Read more

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