Friendsips, Merlot & Rubin 2021

A friendship born out of a love three mates shared for their native Bulgarian wines, Friendsips proudly use the tagline, "wine made by friends, for friends". Based in Bulgaria's Thracian Valley, they focus on promoting indigenous grape varieties by blending them with more household names. Merlot & Rubin 2021 is a blend made of 70% of the former and 30% the latter. Rubin itself is a crossing of Nebbiolo and Syrah and makes for supremely drinkable reds, and this wine is no exception. Ripe, juicy aromas of black cherry, bramble and black plum are on the nose which moves to a fresh and lively medium-bodied palate with further flavours of ripe blackcurrant, forest fruits and a light spice notes. The palate is smooth and harmonious with a soft long finish.