Curtis Small Batch Durif 2021

Years ago, I was hosting wine education classes and a student insisted that the greatest grape on the planet was Durif (they went on to become a Federal politician so take that for what you will). Now, I like Durif as much as the next winelover (although apparently perhaps not quite as much as the next politician), but that did seem a smidge extreme. The grapes here were gently destemmed and then cold soaked for 14 days, before fermentation for a similar period. Pressing then followed, into a mix of new and 2-year-old American Oak barrels.

Inky dark magenta hue, the nose is all chocolate, dark berries, dry herbs, black cherries and leather. Big and bold, no hiding here. Ripe, with good length and balance, and a finish offering mouthpuckering tannins. Big and burly, this is a ten year plus proposition. This is an excellent example of what Durif can offer and would be ideal for a good steak or a quality barbecue. I’d go so far as to say it might even get the nod of approval from a politician.