DB Schmitt, Freiheit Red 2023

Place: Rheinhessen, Germany

Grape: Merlot, Blaufrankisch, Portugieser, Sankt Laurent, Pinot Noir

Vibe: Serious Skins

This wine has come on leaps and bounds in recent years. Grown up, got a new label, but still plenty of youthful energy and personality. This big blend is much more than the sum of its parts. Really juicy and vibrant, works a treat chilled. Go looking and there's plenty of herbal, earthen stuff mingling in the background too. Weeknight winner.