2020 Hu Yue

WA 90: The 2020 Hu Yue has lifted, perfumed red and black fruit, showing cassis, bramble, black cherry, red and black plum as well as touch of blueberry (from the Marselan and Syrah elements) combining with herbaceous notes of green bell pepper and grass. There’s a hint of clove and toast (the wine saw only 10% new oak barriques, with the remainder being matured in stainless steel and old oak over some 12 months). On the palate, it is medium-bodied with ripe, fine-grained tannins, buoyant acidity and well-integrated 13.5% alcohol, with a core of moderately concentrated, attractive fruit showing some of the complexity of the blend, complemented by that touch of savory oak. With its moderate length, this is of the same quality as the 2019 Hu Yue but a very different expression in terms of vintage characteristics. Already approachable, the 2020 Hu Yue can be enjoyed now and will also improve in bottle somewhat over the next 2-3 years.