Stoke Red #1 2020

2020 vintage; 750ml green glass; pours a clear, gently hazy deep amber, fine white mousse, gentle effervescence; on the nose soft funk with oodles of ripe red apples, gentle lemon zest, rich earthy orchard floor, wet pebbles, light strawberry notes, some cheese rind and a kiss of leather; on the palate dry and astringent, juicy red apples mingle with a textured bitterness, which is underlined by juicy strawberry and some residual sugar, creating an almost creamy texture all enveloping texture, very high acids complement mouth-filling astringency; medium bodied, medium finish, long lingering aftertaste recalling strawberries and cream - overall gorgeous mouth drying tannins on the gum line, beautifully mouthwatering acidity and swift gentle residual sugar (astringency is key; high lemony acidity; red apple & strawberry sweetness)