Domaine Bessa Valley, Enira 2018

Domaine Bessa Valley is located about 150 km southeast of Bulgaria's capital, Sofia, near the village of Ognyanovo. It is owned by the dapper Count Stephan von Neipperg, a German wine magnate who owns many of the best right-bank Chateaux in Bordeaux. And much like that storied region, his Bessa Valley wines exhibit big, bold flavours using mainly classic French grape varieties. Enira 2018 is made from a blend of 66% Merlot, 20% Syrah and 14% Petit Verdot. It has an intensely vivid ruby colour and attractive nose of prunes, blackberries, menthol, vanilla and smoke. The palate certainly follows the nose with this wine and is equally rich and juicy, with an enveloping body and well-integrated tannins. An awesome wine which punches well above its weight, and one deserving of heartier, richer dishes.