Castra Rubra – Butterfly’s Rock 2011 – Thrace

Still with a very deep colour, ruby-red core, almost black at the centre, with a slightly lighter rim. Quite discreet on the nose at first, it’s offering quite ripe fruit here, sweet fruit with some notes of vanilla, new oak, and dry spices. It’s quite full-bodied on the palate, offering ripe fruit, dark plum; particularly dark plum with some dark cherry, cassis notes. We have a sweet spiciness with some notes of clove, nutmeg. I don’t really get any oak on the palate, I got a slight hint on the nose but this is really dominated by fruit. It’s quite full in terms of weight, good weight. The texture feels quite rounded today, it does have its fair share of tannins but I think they’re finely settled today. I think it offers a good ripeness, without any feeling of alcohol. I think it’s actually well-rounded now because the finish is persistent, it has a good length – slightly more than long, towards very long –well-rounded, offering juicy dark fruit; overall a good balance. Interesting in the Bordelais style, I get more the idea of Cabernet Merlot, I’m not sure but thanks to those cassis and plum notes I’d offer something in that direction. I’d happily drink it.

Tasted by the Best Sommelier of the World, Andreas Larsson.