James Suckling | October 2022

Reviewed by James Suckling, jamessuckling.com, October 12, 2022

Alkina Old Quarter Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2021

“Blackberry, blueberry, lead pencil and moss. Iodine and sea shell. Full and layered with loads of fruit and spices. Crushed stone and oyster shell at the end. Unique red. Blend of 60% grenache, 20% shiraz and 20% mataro. Drink or hold.” 98pts

Alkina Old Quarter Grenache Shiraz Mataro 2020

“This is a compacted and beautiful blend of shiraz, grenache and mataro with blue fruit, bark, and dried meat with some clove. It’s full and firm with polished and well integrated tannins. Needs time to open up. Drink after 2024.” 95pts

Alkina Spice Garden Shiraz 2021

“Effusive nose of perfectly ripe plums and wild blackberries with a hint of something exotic. The well-crafted tannins are well matched with the ripe fruit and freshness. This only needs a little more time for all of this to come together beautifully. Excellent energy and length. Drinkable now, but best from 2024.” 94pts

Alkina Spice Garden Shiraz 2020

“A cool and daringly dry style of shiraz with discreet red fruit plus savory and tobacco leaf aromas. Serious tannins on the compact and slightly lean palate. This needs some more time in bottle to fully harmonize all this. Drinkable now, but best from 2024.” 92pts

Alkina Kin Grenache 2021

“Attractive nose of white pepper, olives, raspberries, licorice and thyme. Crunchy and vibrant with tight-grained tannins. Medium to full body. There’s a tension to the savory, wild finish. Drink or hold. Screw cap.” 92pts