Lost Poet Red 2020

The 2020 Lost Poet Red from California is a wine partnership between anonymous poet Atticus whose books are New York Times Best Sellers and Winc Wine Company. The wine emits burnt embers, strawberry jam and black coffee on the nose before sweeping in with palate-drenching generosity, riveting the attention. It’s forward, yes – just like Apothic, but slightly drier. You’ll find flavours of toast and jam, black coffee, fire-roasted meat and more – all of which link to memories – before tapering toward a bonfire and cherry-vanilla finish. This oaked, red blend of 68 per cent Merlot, 24 per cent Cabernet Sauvignon and eight per cent Petite Syrah is dry but not too dry and clocks 14 per cent alcohol. Score – 91. (Carolyn Evans Hammond, thestar.com, May 25, 2023)