2020 Praeter Blue Note Chinato

Expert review

Dark, inky ruby with a brick red hue and a slightly oxidised, but captivating nose that swept me away to this meaty, sweet and beautifully herbaceous side of fortified Nebbiolo. It smells of panforte, Darrell Lea soft licorice, cocoa, fresh coriander seeds, roasted black pepper, meat drippings, red vermouth, intense dried rose, amaro-herbals, blood orange zest and date molasses. I’m curious to know if this has some shiraz in there too. On the palate it’s lusciously sweet, creamy and textured with Aussie-Nebbiolo tannins and tastes like a concentrated, spicy and decadent Negroni with plenty of acidity and a rustic charm. It’s f-ing delicious!!!! Black tea and licorice follows, as well as parsley stalk, baking spice and walnut characters that hold over an incredibly long and warming tail that feels like a never ending hug from Nonno.