Ash Tree Estate

ashtreeestateThis was an Ash Tree Estate Shiraz/Monastrell blend, made by Freixenet and therefore Spanish. It was from 2008 and a decent 13.5%. Its predominant features are blackcurrant and spices. It had full and firm tannins (perhaps one to save), but wasn’t too dry for immediate drinking. The nose really was excellent, and went very well with the body. The finish was sort of drowned out, had it changed at all, by the potency of the body – a first for me in wine. That’s the only picture I could find of it that looked similar, not having taken one at the time, but note that that bottle is from 2005, not 2008. Who knows if they’ve changed it for the years 2009 or 2010? I think I’d preferably drink it with a spicy pasta dish, although some of the more intense, gamey meats might do just as well.