Bottle Of The Week

A couple of years ago, I found myself recommending this well-crafted Catalonian red left, right and centre. Then other things shunted it to the back of the bottling line that runs erratically through my head until Vinopolis issued a reminder. Yes! Raimat Abadia, Costers del Segre, 1996 (outlets above, usually about £8.49) is as good as, maybe even better than, ever. Cabernet topped up with Merlot and Tempranillo, it has spicy warmth, a firm backbone and lingering depth of flavour. Smart enough for a dinner party.