Standish The Relic 2024

Critics thoughts -  Ahoy! With 2% viognier in tow. Over a hundred years of vine age here. Hongell Vineyard in Krondorf. All the new release Standish wines were tasted over two days too. A lusty decant to ensure the juices flow, per se.

A smooth ride here, inky and stout, a thick set red of supple texture and yet plenty of detail of fruit, spice, seasoning, savouriness in all that. Very concentrated plum and cassis characters, rose water lift, dried apricot, currants, faint toffee notes and milky chocolate elements slipping through. Exotic spice makes a mark, so too old leather, game meat, dried Italianate herbs. A bold red but so well balanced in its elements, seamless in texture, extra in length. A formidable wine of power and presence. Lush drinking ensues.  94+ Mike Bennie Wine Front