Bring Your Own Wine Vol. 2

Presented itself with a modest charm, offering scents of bruised apples, chalk, and subtle bakery notes, all laced with a hint of Jerez. Though fresh, well-balanced and mineral-driven, complexity was wanting, and it fell short on intensity and finish. Anticipation met with anticlimax upon unveiling the label. Maybe a bottle variation? At least I guessed it was a Pinot Noir-driven Champagne.

This one held back at first, but its subtle beauty emerged with hints of yellow fruits, nuts, and an earthy cheese and mold character. A fresh, rounded palate that's moreish without being overly intricate. Medium-bodied with a hint of intrigue, mineral touch and a long aftertaste.

A basic nose with overripe apricots and a herbal, medicinal underpinning. There's a curious twist of aromas, but the palate doesn't follow through - feeling sanitized, lacking depth and vibrancy. It's a wine that comes across as bright yet hollow, which was a letdown upon discovering it was a Matassa. Blind tasting strips away biases, underscoring the importance of an unprejudiced approach.

The funk has mellowed over half a year, and it's for the better. The Muscat essence shines - infused with ginger, honey, lemon zest, and an herbal complexity, complemented by oatmeal's earthiness and the brightness of citrus. It's a fresh, intricate, and delightfully layered experience, effortlessly drinkable at a friendly 11.5% ABV.

The bouquet is like a nocturnal garden, with dried night blossoms and a carpet of autumn leaves, all grounded by an earthy note and lifted by red fruits. As the evening progresses, a peppery spiciness takes hold. On the palate, youthful, firm and greenish tannin melds, cut by a vein of bitterness that adds depth to the juicy fruit. The aroma captivates, yet the palate leans towards the verdant edge.

Staring down the final curtain, this bottle unfolds a lavish tale of toffee, licorice, and medicinal notes, entwined with trails of cigar smoke. Bereft of fruit, yet the palate clings to vestiges of vigor, nestled in round, silky tannin that glides like velvet. With a medium-full body, its aftertaste lingers with rich flavours, imparting a twilight complexity that's as compelling as it is fleeting.

Perched on its peak, this gem parades a nose rich in chocolate and red fruit jam, with earthy undertones and a hint of Madeira, elevated by just the right touch of volatile acidity for added complexity. The palate, vivacious even in maturity, is impeccably balanced, showcasing a robust structure and an unexpected juiciness. A round, tantalizing experience that hits the mark.

And let me brag a bit - I guessed the producer.

Unveiling itself anew, this bottle confidently fulfills its promises, presenting a luminous but intricate profile. It's a concoction of apricot, healing herbs, orange zest, and nuttiness, with honeyed pineapple for a tropical twist. Volatile acidity deftly interlaces through, enhancing each sip. Well-balanced and voluminous, it has a finish that's persistent and rich.