I have to admit, in spite of being Maltese I had no idea Malta had a wine industry. So when I recently travelled to Malta I had to try them! This one is dark in color with a lovely red berry nose. On the mid pallet the wine displays some firm spicy notes on the finish but that eases as it breathes. Then some lovely red berries and cherries comes through. On the medium length finish the wine displays some firm tannins some rustic notes and some nice dryness. At first there was some firm acidity but that passed quickly. I would give it a solid 89. I paired it with lamb shank and it held up very well. Sadly not available outside Malta.
From the winery’s web site:
Dedicated to Marsovin’s late founder Anthony Cassar, affectionately known as Sur Tonin, Antonin Noir is a Private Estate Selection wine blended from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc grapes harvested at the Marnisi Estate in Marsaxlokk, the first and the largest in the series of Marsovin’s privately owned Estates, intended for the production of premium wines. The fruity characteristics of cherries, blackcurrants and blueberries make this wine enjoyable in its youth while the ageing in French oak barrels gives it a velvety finish on the palate and excellent ageing potential.
